Trump's REAL ID Crackdown Targets Illegal Immigrants' Air Travel
The Trump administration’s enforcement of the REAL ID Act is set to restrict domestic air travel for illegal immigrants as the May 7 deadline approaches.
As the deadline for using REAL ID-compliant licenses for air travel nears, the Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to crack down on illegal immigration through the enforcement of the REAL ID Act. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined that the primary motivation behind this push is to prevent those in the country illegally from flying domestically, unless they are self-deporting on international flights.
This move comes in the wake of 19 states and Washington, D.C., passing laws that allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. States such as New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington have changed their legislation to enable undocumented immigrants to drive legally, citing road safety and insurance requirements as key factors. However, the Trump administration’s memo emphasizes that REAL ID’s higher security standards will make it nearly impossible for illegal immigrants to forge legitimate documents, thereby ensuring only verified travelers can fly.
The DHS memo also highlights the administration’s stance that under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, illegal aliens will be barred from domestic flights, except for those self-deporting internationally. This policy aims to close vulnerabilities allegedly created by the previous administration’s policies, preventing potential misuse of the aviation system.
Critics of the REAL ID Act, such as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have voiced concerns over what they see as increased government oversight, likening it to ‘Big Brother’ tactics. Despite these criticisms, the DHS remains committed to enforcing the REAL ID Act, with 81% of air travelers currently holding compliant or acceptable IDs.
As the May 7 deadline looms, states are experiencing increased demand for REAL IDs, leading to long wait times at DMVs. The Trump administration’s enforcement of the REAL ID Act marks a significant step in its broader efforts to address illegal immigration and enhance national security.