Real ID Act of 2005

REAL ID ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - February 10, 2005)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to speak in support of the REAL ID Act. It is clear that in order to secure our country from terrorists we need to reform the requirements and standards for driver's licenses. A valid driver's license is like a hall pass that allows terrorists to easily roam throughout the United States.

Indeed 19 terrorists did just that with dozens of legal driver's licenses and identification cards. The hijackers used these IDs to rent cars and apartments, open bank accounts, take flying lessons, and otherwise blend into American society while they planned their attacks. Those terrorists murdered 3,000 Americans and yet this gap still remains open.

In every State, the driver's license (and its counterpart, the State ID card) is the primary document used to establish identity and proof of legal residence. Making driver's licenses accessible to illegal aliens gives them the means to pass themselves off as legal residents of the United States. Additionally, the REAL ID Act does not create a national ID card.

In addition to establishing standards for the issuance of licenses, H.R. 418 includes provisions to prevent terrorists from gaming our asylum system. Court decisions in recent years have so distorted the asylum process that terrorists are now able to claim asylum specifically because they are terrorists. This legislation represents a critical first step toward gaining control over our borders and protecting American lives. These are common-sense measures that should be implemented immediately.

Terrorism may have no borders, but we can certainly make it more difficult for terrorists to cross ours. Having a uniform policy that relies on common sense will do more to keep America open and free than having a policy that relies on hope.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov