The Trader Harbor
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks

The Trader Harbor

Politics

Pandemic, price tags and privacy concerns: Why it took 20 years to implement REAL ID

by admin April 22, 2025
April 22, 2025
Pandemic, price tags and privacy concerns: Why it took 20 years to implement REAL ID

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s announcement that REAL IDs will be required to fly starting May 7 has forced Americans to finally get compliant – 20 years after Congress passed the law. 

On May 11, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act into law to enhance national security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Passed by the U.S. Congress, the act set federal standards for issuing identification cards, like driver’s licenses.

Starting next month, REAL ID will be required to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants and board commercial aircraft. REAL ID’s rollout has faced nearly two decades of political pushback, setbacks and delays. 

In the two years after it was passed, the National Governors Association (NGA), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) called for delaying its implementation, citing logistical concerns. 

Since its passing, states and advocacy groups have rejected its implementation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – a longtime opponent of REAL ID implementation – called it ‘discriminatory, expensive, burdensome, invasive, and ultimately counterproductive’ in 2007 as disapproval grew nationwide. By 2009, at least 25 states had enacted legislation opposing the REAL ID Act.

States rejected REAL ID for a range of reasons, including costs, states’ rights and privacy concerns. Three years after the law was passed, REAL ID’s first deadline was set for May 11, 2008. But in the face of opposition, DHS extended the deadline to May 11, 2011, under President Barack Obama’s administration. 

DHS later implemented a four-phase plan that extended beyond the 2011 deadline. By 2016, 23 states were fully compliant with the REAL ID Act, 27 states and territories were granted extensions, and six were noncompliant without extensions, according to a DHS letter. 

By Jan. 22, 2018, travelers would no longer be allowed to use a state-issued ID for domestic travel, and by Oct. 1, 2020, REAL ID ‘or another acceptable form of identification’ would be required for domestic air travel. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump extended the REAL ID deadline to Oct. 1, 2021. That deadline was later extended to May 3, 2023, by President Joe Biden’s administration ‘due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.’

The Biden administration finally extended the deadline to May 7, 2025, to give states ‘additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act.’

Noem announced the May 7, 2025, deadline would hold as the Trump administration seeks to prevent illegal immigrants from traveling within the United States.

‘Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID to fly. REAL IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a REAL ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!’ Noem said. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Army suspends commander after Trump, Vance, Hegseth vanish from command board
next post
State Dept defends human rights abuse report changes, says streamlined process eliminates ‘political bias’

Related Posts

Haiti waits for Kenyan police mission to fight...

March 29, 2024

3 US service members injured on Gaza humanitarian...

May 24, 2024

New report reveals how Trump admin will eliminate...

March 29, 2025

Mexicans go to the polls amid record violence...

June 2, 2024

Trump admin to pause financial assistance programs: report

January 28, 2025

Trump picks former congressman Pete Hoekstra to be...

November 21, 2024

Taiwanese people ready to fight as China ramps...

October 5, 2024

Tom Cotton slams ‘partisans and obstructionists’ in DOD...

November 27, 2024

White House says it’s working for Hamas surrender...

April 6, 2024

Republicans to huddle behind close doors to elect...

November 13, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • Apple reveals complex system of App Store fees to avoid E.U. fine of 500 million euros

      June 30, 2025
    • Breakdown of NVDA’s Stock Price and S&P 500: Actionable Technical Insights

      June 30, 2025
    • Thom Tillis announces retirement from Senate after clash with Trump

      June 30, 2025
    • SCOOP: House Republican eyes bid for Thom Tillis Senate seat after Trump attack

      June 30, 2025
    • Dem delay tactic ends, debate begins on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

      June 30, 2025
    • GOP, Dem senators remain divided over Medicaid after Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ vote

      June 30, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,272)
    • Politics (3,873)
    • Stocks (1,477)
    • Uncategorized (45)
    • World News (1,265)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheTraderHarbor, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 thetraderharbor.com | All Rights Reserved