Here’s why Congress thought REAL ID was necessary way back in 2005

In the years following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, national security became a top priority for policymakers. One major change that emerged from this era was the implementation of the REAL ID Act, which aimed to enhance security measures for air travel. However, more than two decades later, the full enforcement of this requirement is finally set to take effect on May 7.

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, was designed to address security vulnerabilities that terrorists could exploit. Prior to 9/11, there were significant discrepancies in the standards for issuing identification cards across states, leading to a lack of coordination and verification of critical documents like birth certificates and Social Security numbers. This allowed several of the 9/11 hijackers to obtain legitimate state IDs using fraudulent information.

The 9/11 Commission Report, released in 2004, strongly recommended the establishment of national identification standards as a counterterrorism measure. Congress swiftly incorporated REAL ID provisions into a broader defense and emergency spending bill to ensure its rapid enactment. The law requires states to verify the authenticity of key documents and implement security features that are more resistant to tampering.

Despite its noble intentions, the REAL ID Act faced opposition from civil liberties groups concerned about privacy and federal overreach. Many states resisted compliance due to logistical challenges and costs, resulting in multiple deadline extensions. The ID will not only be required for domestic flights but also for access to certain government facilities and nuclear sites.

Critics argue that the necessity of the REAL ID Act is questionable, given the lack of flight-based terrorist attacks during the nearly 20-year delay in its implementation. Concerns have also been raised about potential future requirements for obtaining government benefits and applying for jobs using the ID.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of communicating the Real ID requirement to the public to prevent travel disruptions. President Donald Trump further reinforced the need for integrity in the issuance of IDs in an executive order focused on election integrity.

As the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches, individuals are urged to ensure they have the necessary documentation to avoid any travel interruptions. The long-awaited implementation of this measure marks a significant step towards enhancing national security and safeguarding against potential threats in the future.