REAL ID: States request extra time, query rollout days earlier than deadline

[ad_1] President Donald Trump's administration has signaled there can be no REAL ID exceptions after Kentucky lawmakers requested a deadline extension.

The Trump administration confirmed in an announcement to Fox Information Digital that states might want to comply by the Might 7 deadline, regardless of Kentucky's delay request, as a 20-year standoff between state and federal governments involves a head with REAL ID's actual deadline.

"Starting on Might 7, passengers will want a REAL ID or one other acceptable type of identification to fly, like a passport or navy ID. TSA is dedicated to imposing the regulation, as directed by Congress."

"Non-compliant passengers could anticipate wait instances or extra measures at airports. If you're an unlawful alien and not using a REAL ID, the one means you can be permitted to fly is in case you are self-deporting," a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) spokesperson stated when requested if extensions have been on the desk.

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The deadline for REAL ID implementation is Might 7. (Getty Pictures)

Kentucky lawmakers, together with Kentucky's Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon and 27 state senate leaders, despatched a letter to Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem on April 17 requesting a delay on REAL ID enforcement, citing issues amongst Kentuckians "who're nonetheless unable to entry driver’s licensing providers as a result of restricted appointment availability and lengthy strains for walk-ins."

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"This straightforward request is to guard Kentuckians from bureaucratic burdens," Higdon stated. "Rural residents, seniors, and households nonetheless have hurdles in entrance of them, and in a number of circumstances, might not be conscious of their choices. Solely about 40 % of our residents have a REAL ID, however I'd additionally like extra time to assist Kentuckians perceive that they could not want a REAL ID. Kentucky has made a good-faith effort, however we simply aren’t there but."

Passengers line up at a TSA checkpoint. Passengers can be required to journey with a REAL ID, or different compliant identification, as a way to journey, beginning Might 7. (iStock)

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., despatched his personal letter to Noem on the identical day, asking her to "please describe how you'll make sure that there are usually not delays at TSA safety checkpoints and what steps the TSA is taking to course of vacationers who arrive at airport safety checkpoints with out REAL ID-compliant identification."

Reed stated it looks as if many passengers won't be compliant by Might 7, mentioning that "20 % of air vacationers nonetheless use a type of identification that's not compliant with REAL ID necessities," and "thousands and thousands of Individuals nonetheless shouldn't have a REAL ID-compliant license or an appropriate different type of identification."

States have lengthy rejected REAL ID implementation. 20 years after it was signed into regulation, Kentucky is requesting a deadline extension. (Getty Pictures)

Since President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act into regulation in 2005, states and advocacy teams have rejected its implementation for a variety of causes, together with prices, states' rights and privateness issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – a longtime opponent of REAL ID implementation – called it "discriminatory, costly, burdensome, invasive, and finally counterproductive" in 2007 as disapproval grew nationwide. By 2009, at the least 25 states had enacted legislation opposing the REAL ID Act.

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Whereas deadlines have shifted and implementation plans rolled out, Kentucky's letter revealed states proceed to panic over the REAL ID deadline as Individuals line up at their native Division of Motor Autos (DMV) and make appointments to safe their enhanced identification.