As the May 7 federal REAL ID deadline looms, millions of Americans scramble to comply—while 19 states and D.C. have opened driver’s license access to illegal immigrants, drawing new scrutiny from federal agencies.
Key Facts: REAL ID Deadline Forces Showdown Over State Policies
- REAL ID, passed in 2005, will be required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
- Only U.S. citizens and legal residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID.
- 19 states and D.C. now allow illegal immigrants to obtain standard driver’s licenses.
- Trump-era DHS memos reveal the REAL ID law is being enforced to curb illegal internal travel.
- Critics argue the law increases federal surveillance, while others see it as overdue enforcement.
The Rest of the Story: How the REAL ID Law Collides with State Immigration Laws
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to tighten security following the 9/11 attacks.
Though enforcement has been delayed for years due to political resistance and pandemic-related disruptions, it is now being actively implemented under the May 7, 2025 deadline.
Meanwhile, 19 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
These states argue such access improves road safety and helps undocumented residents get to work legally.
New Jersey, for example, issued 100,000 new permits just months after passing its law, resulting in DMV backlogs as U.S. citizens now rush to get their REAL IDs in time.
The Department of Homeland Security has made it clear that under the new enforcement guidelines, illegal immigrants will be unable to board domestic flights using standard IDs.
Only valid foreign passports or specific federal documents will be accepted, tightening internal movement restrictions for those in the country unlawfully.
REAL ID enforcement stops illegal aliens from flying in the United States, a vulnerability exploited under the previous administration. Starting May 7, you MUST have a REAL ID or other proper identification to fly.
Good news for illegal aliens: you can still self-deport without… pic.twitter.com/9VqIwFmU12
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 18, 2025
Commentary: Why Blue States Push Licenses for Illegals and What That Means
For years, Democrat-controlled states have worked to protect and entrench the illegal immigrants that entered the country in waves during the Biden administration.
Granting driver’s licenses is just one of many tactics—along with sanctuary cities, taxpayer-funded benefits, and even pushing for non-citizen voting in local elections—to make sure they stay put.
While liberal lawmakers claim these policies improve safety, the underlying strategy seems clear: keep as many illegal immigrants in the U.S. as possible and integrate them into everyday life, regardless of federal law.
Allowing undocumented individuals to legally drive is a major step toward permanent residency in practice, if not in law.
REAL ID changes that equation.
By raising identification standards, it prevents people without legal status from flying inside the U.S., unless they are leaving the country.
DHS officials say this closes the security loopholes that have remained open for too long under previous administrations.
Former President Trump campaigned and won on a promise to secure the border and enforce immigration law.
Enforcing REAL ID is a step in that direction.
While some Americans may be frustrated with the added steps they must take to fly, this inconvenience is a result of years of delay—not the current policy.
Instead of weakening immigration enforcement with feel-good policies, it’s time for lawmakers to focus on improving the legal immigration process.
The path to citizenship should be clear, fair, and lawful—not bypassed by state legislatures trying to score political points.
The Bottom Line: Why Real ID Enforcement Matters Now
The REAL ID rollout marks a turning point in national security and immigration enforcement.
As blue states continue to issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, the federal government is doubling down on REAL ID to restrict their ability to travel domestically.
This clash reveals a broader ideological divide—one that will likely shape future elections and immigration reform efforts.
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