Oklahomans may no longer use state driver’s licenses as valid identification for airports and federal buildings if the state does not meet federal requirements in the Real ID Act by October 2016.
According to Department of Homeland Security, the Real ID Act is an effort to “improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents” in order to reduce terrorist opportunities.
Real ID requires minimum standards for ID production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards without Department of Homeland Security approval of the state’s compliance with the Act.
According to KTUL, Oklahoma driver’s licenses do not currently meet the requirements of the Real ID Act.
“I can see why it’s good for [preventing] terrorists attacks,” sophomore Megan McDaniel said. “But I also think that we need to consider these people were born in America and they shouldn’t have to pay their rights.”
According to the Tulsa World, in 2005 the Real ID law was passed as anti-terrorism legislation. The law attempts to impose uniform security standards on state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Sophomore Sydey Walcher said the fear of terrorism has been over for years now.
“This probably should have been implemented back in 2005 when it already started,” Walcher said. “But it takes time and it takes a lot of work to get everything set in place.”
McDaniel said she felt that after 9/11 Homeland Security already made the change to make people feel safer.
“We already feel safer because of all the airport security,” McDaniel said. “I don’t think Will Rodgers Airport will feel safer than it already is.”
According to Junior Kyle Broaddrick, the new way to show identification will help secure it.
“It will be a lot harder for terrorists and other people to copy licenses,” Broaddrick said.
Some states have been slower to adapt these Real ID Act standards, including Oklahoma. Originally set to take effect in Oklahoma on Oct. 3 this year, the lack of compliance granted the state an extension to meet requirements by October 10, 2016.
Failure to comply with these regulations would inhibit Oklahoma residents’ ability to board commercial airlines and enter federal facilities using their driver’s license. Oklahomans would have to use passports or other approved forms of IDs to enter these places.
Broaddrick said he does not fly very often, but if he does in the future he would not like the extra baggage, such as a passport he would need if Oklahoma does not meet the federal requirements.
“It would be a pain having to carry all of that extra stuff,” Broaddrick said.
Broaddrick said the Act would, however, help the people of Oklahoma feel safer, including him.
Walcher said that the Act would help a certain number of people feel safer, but others will see it as a burden.
The Act does not impact voting or registering to vote, applying for or receiving Federal benefits and being licensed by a state to drive.
0
0
Be First to Comment