In 3 months, regular NM and WA Driver's Licenses not valid for airports

IamAman · 10-30-2015, 12:20 AM

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/tra...oard-aircraft/

This is very important for any Dreamers or other undocumented from those states. It all goes back to the 2005 Real ID law passed by the Bush Administration (actually I think it was attached to a military funding bill) that required states to require proof of residency. Only 2 states don't require that and are being punished by not getting an extension. Yet another kick in the gut.

Quote:

LYMPIA — Are you accustomed to flashing your plain old, standard Washington driver’s license at the security line at the airport? It may not get you through much longer.

The federal government has denied Washington state an extension from complying with tougher federal requirements that require proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver’s licenses and IDs to be valid for federal purposes, including, eventually, boarding commercial aircraft.

A letter from the Department of Homeland Security, obtained by The Associated Press, was sent Monday to the state Department of Licensing notifying the agency of the decision.

The department said the state will be given a three-month grace period before its current temporary extension, issued earlier this year, expires. During that time, federal agencies can continue to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by Washington for official purposes.

Can I use my driver's license to board a plane?
Here's an example of the standard Washington driver's license, which may soon be insufficient ID to board a commercial flight.

Next is the enhanced Washington driver's license, requiring proof of legal residency, which is acceptable ID at airports and other federal facilities.

Washington state already offers enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs that are valid under the federal law. The state’s enhanced driver’s license or ID card costs more than the standard issue and requires presentation of proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.

Standard Washington licenses or ID cards can be upgraded to enhanced status for a calibrated fee of $3 per year remaining on your current license or ID card. The other option for flying is to present a U.S. passport, which costs more than a state ID and can take up to five weeks to obtain.

In January, the federal government had granted the state an extension through Oct. 10 after state officials proposed a plan to the Legislature that would create a two-tiered licensing system that would keep the current enhanced license but would also create a standard state license that would indicate it is not valid for federal purposes.

But that measure never gained traction, and the Legislature adjourned in July without passing anything related to REAL ID.

“Although DHS recognizes the State of Washington’s efforts in enhancing the security of its driver’s licenses and identification cards, Washington has not provided adequate justification for continued noncompliance that would warrant granting your request of another extension,” the letter states.

The federal REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, requires proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful status in the U.S. in order for a license to be valid for federal use.

People without valid federal IDs might eventually need a passport or have to go through other screening processes in order to travel domestically or enter federal buildings.

The law has had several implementation delays, but access to some federal facilities is now restricted without an enhanced ID. As early as next year, such ID could be required to board commercial aircraft, though the federal government hasn’t given a firm timeline on access to flights. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security said it would announce a date on travel requirements by the end of the year.

Tony Sermonti, legislative director for the state Department of Licensing, said there’s frustration with the Department of Homeland Security because “the goal line keeps moving.”

“On the fundamental pieces, there’s a lack of clarity from the federal government around what and when the portions of REAL ID Act will be enforced,” he said.
5.4 million people with standard licenses, and about 600,000 with regular ID cards.

There are many states and territories that haven’t fulfilled the national ID law’s mandates but have received extensions, Sermonti said.

Washington and New Mexico are the only states that do not require proof of legal presence in the U.S. to get a state license or ID. Other states give restricted licenses to people who can’t prove they are in the U.S. legally. New Mexico also had its request for an extension denied.

Republican Sen. Curtis King, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said lawmakers will try to address the issue again when the next legislative session begins in January.

“We don’t have a choice,” he said. “The choice has been taken out of our hands.”

Pianoswithoutfaith · 10-30-2015, 04:40 AM

ah snap, this will affect me seeing how I have a regular WA license. Oh boy

IamAman · 10-30-2015, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoswithoutfaith

ah snap, this will affect me seeing how I have a regular WA license. Oh boy

They do have Enhanced licenses that act like pseudo passports since they require proof of citizenship, but not even green card holders can get them. Of course they can just show green cards. What likely will happen is WA's standard license will become a second tier liecense like the California undocumented or NYC ID cards.

Real ID was a monster. I knew it then and this is its final act. It's essentially a national ID card.

Demise · 10-30-2015, 08:41 AM

Doesn't this happen every couple years?

DHS grants Real ID extension.
State does fuck all until extension almost expires.
Panic ensues.
DHS grants Real ID extension.

And the cycle repeats itself.

IamAman · 10-30-2015, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demise

Doesn't this happen every couple years?

DHS grants Real ID extension.
State does fuck all until extension almost expires.
Panic ensues.
DHS grants Real ID extension.

And the cycle repeats itself.

The difference is that all the other 28 states got their extension and only the two states that let undocumented get licenses were denied. What I'm afraid of is that there will be a backlash when the first citizens is denied getting to their flight and they move to do what all the other states have done and ask for residency, or at best have a two tier system of second class people and the "good" people.

dado123 · 10-30-2015, 04:00 PM

I think you can still fly with your passport from your citizenship country.

IamAman · 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dado123

I think you can still fly with your passport from your citizenship country.

My country of citizenship are assholes who don't give passports without a green card. But yes, unless you're within 100 miles of the border you should be good with that. It just kind of singles you out as a foreigner so you might be subject to a little more suspicion.

johnfreyan · 10-30-2015, 06:42 PM

Are there plans to address these issues? I mean, needing passport to travel domestically via air would be a tremendous hassle for everyone, and I'd imagine the political pressure to fix the problem would be immense.

IamAman · 10-30-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnfreyan

Are there plans to address these issues? I mean, needing passport to travel domestically via air would be a tremendous hassle for everyone, and I'd imagine the political pressure to fix the problem would be immense.

According to the story, this was not something that was anticipated so until the legislature reconvenes, nothing has been decided. I'm guessing one of these will happen:

1. After some arm twisting, another extension is given to them.
2. WA will give in and be like Texas - require all renewals and new applicants to show up in person and show their legal status.
3. There will be two tiers of driver's licenses like California, and other places that allow undocumented to have licenses. No clue how they would do this since there are many already out in the wild.
4. They will just keep everything the same and encourage citizens to get the already available Enhanced Driver's license (green card holders can't even get that one since it kind of acts like a passport), and everybody else can keep the one they have knowing it's not going to work at the airports.

Syntex · 10-31-2015, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IamAman

My country of citizenship are assholes who don't give passports without a green card.

Where are you from, if I may ask? I see you around here a lot but I just assumed you were mexican like most of us lol

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In 3 months, regular NM and WA Driver's Licenses not valid for airports