New Mexico says no to Real ID, residents can’t travel?
Officials Press Congress To Act On ID Law
In less than six weeks, the federal government will be treating New Mexicans as foreigners, as your state driver’s license may no longer get you through airport security.
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Secretary Rick Homans said a new federal law called “The Real ID Law” is putting your driver’s license in jeopardy to be used for travel security.
“Right now it’s a game of chicken, between the federal government and the state governments,” Homans said.
The Bush administration passed the law, designed to stop terrorists from entering the country, after Sept. 11, 2001. All 50 states have to comply with its regulations by Jan. 1, 2010.
Sec. Rick Homans said the clock is ticking and New Mexico is nowhere near close.
“The way it is right now, come Jan. 1st, residents of New Mexico and residents of about 25 other states wouldn’t be allowed to board airplanes unless they had a valid passport.”
The biggest issue is that New Mexico gives driver’s licenses to foreign nationals and illegal immigrants, which under the new law, would be illegal. The Obama administration has been promising to modify the law, but so far no action has been taken.</em>
