Plans for national ID card raise concerns
Pastor Dale Morgan
Plans for national ID card raise concerns*
ALBANY - After abandoning his controversial driver's license plan for
illegal immigrants this fall, Governor Eliot Spitzer got behind the
federal government's REAL ID card. Now, despite what he said in October,
the governor says he is taking time to review the details of the REAL ID
program.
"In this era, there is no question that the federal government and
individual states must take steps to improve the safety and security of
our transportation system. Now that the Department of Homeland Security
has released its REAL ID regulations we will take the time necessary to
carefully review the details. This is an issue that merits cautious
study and dialogue," Spitzer said in a statement.
Agencies responsible for issuing the card are concerned. New York has so
far done nothing to get ready for the REAL ID so Governor Spitzer has
until February to ask the U.S. Government for more time to implement it.
Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola says he needs to know sooner rather
than later when the cards will take effect.
"The longer he waits the shorter the window the window keeps closing in
and people have to get in the office for processing," said Merola.
The REAL ID doesn't just mean more work for agencies that distribute
identification. To obtain one, you'll need a combination of a birth
certificate, military ID, social security card and/or visa. Despite the
increased red tape, Merola welcomes the card for safety's sake.
"Since September 11th, 2001 we've been talking about the security of the
document and that's what we look forward to," he said.
The REAL ID is intended to keep dangerous people off airplanes. The men
responsible for the September 11th hijackings had valid driver's
licenses. But there's fear that the new, stringent requirements will
disenfranchise groups of Americans.
"There are many populations in this country that have difficulty
obtaining the original documents, their birth certificates, marriage
certificates and so on. It just isn't that easy to get the documents,"
said Melanie Trimble of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Technology to support the REAL ID is already being tested across the
country. That, too, worries Trimble who argues the REAL ID infringes on
our fundamental right to privacy.
"This is not the American way. We should not have a piece of paper or an
electronic trace for every person in this country," she said.
If Governor Spitzer doesn't apply for the extension, New Yorkers won't
be able to board a plane with their current licenses in May. If you were
born before December 1, 1964, you don't have to worry about the new ID's
just yet. Roll out will be staggered, depending on your age.