Visa Lawyer Blog
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a few days ago a final rule establishing minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards.
Homeland Security Secretary said the following:
“The American public’s desire for greater identity protection is undeniable,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Americans understand today that the 9/11 hijackers obtained 30 drivers licenses and ID’s,and used 364 aliases. For an extra $8 per license, REAL ID will give law enforcement and security officials a powerful advantage against falsified documents, and it will bring some peace of mind to citizens wanting toprotect their identity from theft by a criminal or illegal alien.”
The rule creates a federal identity document that every American will need in order to fly on commercial airlines, enter government buildings, open financial, and more. It will create huge administrative burdens for state governments, while providing no federal funds for implementing its onerous requirements. At the same time, it does nothing to combat terrorism and other security threats. It will create further ground for discrimination and other related issues.
I guess that time will tell.