The following definitions shall be applicable to this part:

(a) United States means the continental United States, the State of Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, Guam and any other islands or territory over which the United States exercises jurisdiction.

(b) Department means the Department of State of the United States of America.

(c) Secretary means the Secretary of State.

(d) National means a citizen of the United States or a noncitizen owing permanent allegiance to the United States.

(e) Passport means a travel document issued under the authority of the Secretary of State attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer.

(f) Passport Agent means a person designated by the Department to accept passport applications.

(g) Designated nationality examiner means a United States citizen employee of the Department of State assigned or employed abroad (permanently or temporarily) and designated by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizen Services, to grant, issue and verify U.S. passports. A designated nationality examiner may adjudicate claims of acquisition and loss of United States nationality and citizenship as required for the purpose of providing passport and related services. The authority of designated nationality examiners shall include the authority to examine, adjudicate, approve and deny passport applications and applications for related services. The authority of designated nationality examiners shall expire upon termination of the employee's assignment for such duty and may also be terminated at any time by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizen Services.