All 50 states along with 6 U.S. jurisdictions have now agreed to comply with REAL ID by May 2008. The Department of Homeland Security negotiated all the security terms with each state and reduced the costs this year by 73 percent. They also agreed to provide extensions for those states that would not be able to meet the deadline. Once the cost issue was resolved, the states realized that the REAL ID would make their citizen’s more secure. Congress now needs to fund the program so it can be fully implemented by the dates agreed upon by the states and Homeland Security.
What is REAL ID?
- Individuals must present documentation to establish their identity.
- Security features for cards will prevent tampering, counterfeiting and fraud.
- Security plans for state computer systems that will include background checks.
- States are to share information to combat fraud and illegal activities.
Information provided by Heritage.org.
Filed under: Congress
