The REAL ID Act is not just a piece of legislation; it represents a significant shift in how we perceive identification and privacy in America. Critics argue that it establishes an unconstitutional federal identification and tracking system, reminiscent of China’s social credit system. With its roots in the UN’s international tracking initiatives, the REAL ID program poses a serious threat to our privacy rights.
A Brief History
Originally passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act faced significant resistance from states until President Obama issued a controversial directive in 2015, warning that individuals without a REAL ID would be unable to fly. Despite this pressure, many states still have the option to withdraw compliance. As of now, approximately 44% of Americans lack a REAL ID, and many who do possess one may not fully understand its implications.
The Implications of REAL ID
The REAL ID system infringes on our privacy rights and grants the government unprecedented control over our movement and access. Plans to digitize IDs, making them accessible on smartphones (similar to China’s mobile driver’s license), raise further concerns about surveillance and data privacy.
Recent Developments
On September 12, 2024, the TSA announced a proposed DHS rule outlining a phased enforcement approach for REAL ID compliance, which could become increasingly burdensome over the next two years. According to the announcement:
“DHS did not select three, four, or five years because it believes a longer time period would further delay the security benefits of REAL ID and is unlikely to provide the same incentive for individuals to obtain a compliant DL/ID.”
This phased enforcement plan aims to push individuals towards compliance by introducing consequences like warning notices and delays at security checkpoints. The enforcement is set to begin on May 7, 2025.
Take Action Now
The deadline for public comments on this proposal is Tuesday, October 15. We need your voice to oppose this unconstitutional measure. Even a simple statement like “I oppose this plan to impose the unconstitutional REAL ID” can make a difference.
Let’s aim for at least 100,000 public comments, with 500,000 being our goal!
How to Comment
To submit your comment, click the blue button at this link: Submit Your Comment.
You can also find more information and resources on this website:
- Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF): www.cchfreedom.org
- Contact Us: CCHF, 161 Rondo Avenue, Ste. 923, Saint Paul, MN 55103, 651-646-8935
Final Thoughts
The implications of REAL ID are far-reaching, and many Americans remain unaware of what it truly represents. It’s time to take a stand for our privacy and freedom. Please act now and make your voice heard!