Real ID Act of 2005

[Norseman]

Will the Real ID Act of 2005 enhance security of this nation by helping to curb illegal immigration and terrorism or is the Act another smoke screen and an invasion of our privacy?

http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1200062053842.shtm

[Rooney]

I don't feel it is an invasion of privacy. You must show your birth certificate or other forms of proof already for a drivers license. It just means that they will check the status of those documents more thoroughly. If biometrics are used in the new documents I still feel it is not an invasion of privacy. The only people that will be able to read the information will be either federal or local law enforcement and other government agencies (until those are hacked as well). If you have to show your I.D. anyway, you are already representing yourself as the person on the I.D.. Why should they not be able to prove who you are? I feel it is just another way to keep honest people honest and those that are not more restricted.

[craig333]

Both. Its always a delicate balancing act between privacy and security.

[bpdblue]

With all the identity theft crimes going on, especially by illegal aliens trying to prove they are a citizen so they can work, something has to be done to make it harder for another person to pretend to be YOU.

And yet, when does a program go too far.

It's a tough question, and a tougher answer on how to make a person's identity secure, without requiring some outlandish plan like having all our citizens planted with micro chips, which, you can bet, someone will be trying to impliment at a point not to distant in the future! :eek:

[N. A. Corbier]

I'm currently getting a passport for a work assignment. (Its not cool, sorry, folks)

I have to get a certified copy of my birth certificate, present myself and my DL to a post office person, etc. Then wait weeks to get a book that lets me go outside the country.

So, will the Real ID Act make the wait for a DL longer?

[Norseman]

Personally I like the idea. From what I have read the pros outweigh the cons; however, the true test will be State compliance, cost, and the perceived inconvenience of the public.

As far as privacy is concerned, the majority of our personal information is already out there via the DMVs, financial records, veteran records, etc. If the bad guys want your information, they can get it.

If this Act aids in preventing illegal immigration and another terrorist attack similar in nature to 9/11, then I am all for it.

We have to remember, each State has the option to comply—this is not a federal mandate.

[Curtis Baillie]

I'm currently getting a passport for a work assignment. (Its not cool, sorry, folks)

I have to get a certified copy of my birth certificate, present myself and my DL to a post office person, etc. Then wait weeks to get a book that lets me go outside the country.

So, will the Real ID Act make the wait for a DL longer?My passport is due for renewal. We will both get ones with RFID chips.

[craig333]

I only need my passport when traveling out of the country. Big difference. Will we ever have to fear our government? If you don't think so then maybe you're too young to remember Nixon and SB1. Good thing he never got to implement that.

[Norseman]

My passport is due for renewal. We will both get ones with RFID chips.

RFID is an optional technology with the Real ID in that States may implement in addition to the 2-D barcode. And from my understanding, RFID chips are already integrated in passports and will also be used in the new passport cards.

[Curtis Baillie]

It wasn't when I got my last one. That was my point.

[Norseman]

My passport does not have one either (I renewed it a couple of years ago).
From what I remember, talk about RFIDs in came on 2-3 years ago. In which the yes/no debate went back and forth.

If the State Department has nixed the idea I was unaware of it and stand corrected.