ALABAMA — A group of Alabama lawmakers have written to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ask them to extend the deadline for STAR ID enforcement.
Reps. Terri A. Sewell, Bennie G. Thompson, Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager spoke out against the bill. All of them signed a formal letter on May 2 asking the Secretary of Homeland Security to push back the date when REAL ID (in Alabama, STAR ID) starts to be used.
As things stand, the date of enforcement is May 7.
Members of Alabama’s Congress want to push back the enforcement deadline by six months because they say that DMVs are having a hard time because they don’t have enough staff, lines are unbelievably long, and appointments are limited.
“These problems are made worse by the high costs that working families face; many of them can’t afford to miss work or travel long distances to complete the process in person,” the letter says.
In addition to these problems with getting a REAL ID, the members say that DMVs have systems that are too small and make it harder for older people, people with disabilities, and people who don’t always have access to transportation.
Members say that not allowing an extension on enforcement puts a lot of stress on airport security if there is no leniency.
“The summer travel season is coming up, and the TSA is already getting ready for record-high numbers of passengers—more than the number of passengers during the pandemic.” Putting the REAL ID deadline on May 7 during this busy travel time could put even more stress on a system that is already under a lot of stress. The letter says, “If we don’t be flexible, we risk longer lines at security checkpoints, unnecessary delays at airports, and a lot of confusion among travellers, as many of them may not know that their licenses will no longer meet federal identification requirements for boarding flights.”
Because of all of these factors, the enforcement should last until November 7. This would give local and state agencies time to catch up with demand and help the TSA get ready for an easier implementation process.
The whole letter that Rep. Figures and the other members sent to DHS can be read below.