Answer: It is more difficult to do so because nowadays, technology is more advanced and is better secure and protected to ensure the safety of other people around. The easiest way for criminals to obtain a passport is to be discrete about creating one. They should maintain a clean record for anything. But overall it is not easy at all for them to obtain a passport in the first place.
Explanation: I'm in federal law enforcement and protective services, i know what I'm talking about.