Department of Homeland Security Firm on REAL ID Deadline Driven by Immigration Concerns
Despite repeated extensions over the years, the Department of Homeland Security is maintaining its May 7th deadline for Real ID implementation primarily due to concerns surrounding illegal immigration and national security. This decisive stance reflects a strategic response to evolving threats and vulnerabilities within the nation’s aviation system.
According to an internal memo exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, the core justification lies in preventing unauthorized individuals from utilizing domestic flights. The department asserts that current policies are designed to curtail this activity, particularly amongst those residing unlawfully in the United States. The document states:
“Under Biden, illegal aliens used non-compliant IDs from sanctuary cities to board flights, but REAL ID’s higher security standards make it nearly impossible to forge legitimate documents, ensuring only verified travelers can fly.”
Further emphasizing the strategic importance of Real ID, the memo highlights its role in mitigating potential risks. Officials argue that the stricter verification processes inherent within the program effectively close exploitable loopholes and safeguard against criminal or terrorist infiltration of the nation’s transportation infrastructure – echoing concerns raised following events like 9/11 where fraudulent identification facilitated attacks.
Key Objectives & Restrictions
- Preventing unlawful travel within the U.S. by undocumented immigrants.
- Restricting unauthorized air travel, except for those electing to self-deport on international flights.
The memo details a significant increase in inadmissible aliens attempting to fly domestically during the Biden administration. Data reveals that approximately 1.4 million “inadmissible aliens” were admitted through programs such as CBP One and the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program. As of August 2024, over half a million individuals utilized American airports for air travel, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Specifically, figures from 2023 indicate that 320,000 illegal immigrants were permitted to fly into 43 airports before traveling onward within the country, largely facilitated by the CBP One app. The Department’s reliance on Fox News Digital reporting from 2022 regarding the acceptance of civil arrest warrants (ICE Form I-200) as valid identification underscores this evolving approach.
Identification Requirements & Alternatives
Moving forward, Americans seeking to fly domestically or access federal buildings will require acceptable forms of identification. While a passport remains the standard alternative, the TSA has indicated it may accept certain DHS-issued documents, including ICE Form I-200 (Warrant for Arrest of an Alien), in cases where conventional identification is unavailable.
Background & Context
The Real ID Act was established in 2005 under the George W. Bush administration, with the intention of raising national security standards for identification documents. Recent policy shifts under the Trump administration, including the replacement of the CBP One app with the CBP Home app, are further shaping the debate surrounding immigration enforcement and border control strategies.
Ongoing legal challenges related to the deportation of alleged criminals to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center add another layer of complexity to these issues. Despite opposition from some lawmakers – such as Representative Thomas Massie – who question the necessity and potential infringements on freedom associated with Real ID, Secretary Kristi Noem remains steadfast in her commitment to bolstering national security through enhanced identification verification.
“These IDs keep our country safe because they help prevent fraud and they enhance security,” Noem stated recently. “Please do your part to protect our country, go today, and don’t delay.”
