REAL ID: GOP lawmaker questions necessity ahead of May 7 deadline

The REAL ID deadline is fast approaching this week, and one House Republican lawmaker is speaking out against what he views as an unnecessary burden on Americans. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital, expressing his lack of support for the REAL ID requirement.

Burlison believes that the REAL ID is not essential for keeping Americans safe. He mentioned that while Missouri has made it easy for residents to comply with the May 7 deadline, he personally disagrees with the necessity of the REAL ID. He pointed out that the 9/11 terrorists all had passports, indicating that they had more than just a state ID. Burlison sees the REAL ID as another example of government overreach, making life more difficult for U.S. citizens.

The REAL ID law was enacted in 2005 but has faced multiple delays in implementation. The Trump administration has set the May 7 deadline as final, stating that a REAL ID will be required for domestic airline travel and in other federal identification-required areas. However, having a REAL ID is not mandatory if one possesses a U.S. passport.

The Trump administration argues that enforcing the REAL ID helps in cracking down on illegal immigrants. The rush to meet the deadline has led to long lines at DMVs across the country, prompting some states to open emergency locations to accommodate the surge in appointments.

When asked about the deadline, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) emphasized that passengers will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, to fly. Noncompliant passengers may face longer wait times or additional security measures at airports.

Rep. Burlison’s remarks on the REAL ID have sparked a conversation about the necessity and impact of the requirement. As the deadline approaches, Americans are grappling with the implications of the REAL ID on their daily lives. It remains to be seen how the implementation of the REAL ID will unfold in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is closely following developments related to the REAL ID requirement. For more updates on this issue and other political news, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.