Stopping Osama At The DMV
Jacob Sullum, always a pleasure to read in Reason, shows why The Real ID Act, approved by the Senate in early May, was a real dumb idea. (Like a terrorist couldn't find a work-around if they really wanted one...say, bribing a low-paid worker at the DMV?!)
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that terrorists will be unable to forge the ID cards and are not motivated enough to become legal U.S. residents, thereby obtaining the cards fair and square. The system still depends on the ability of state DMV employees to verify legal residency, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.Tennessee, which issues special driver's licenses to people who can't prove they're legal residents, is already having trouble with this sort of thing. "We're just doing the best we can with the documents," a state official told The New York Times in early May. "If [the Real ID Act] passes, we're going to have to look at sending all our employees to classes that teach all the different documents."
Given my recent experience with the U.S. State Department, which ought to know a thing or two about distinguishing between citizens and noncitizens, I am not optimistic about the ability of state bureaucrats with less training and experience to solve this paperwork puzzle.
His story, about getting a passport for his adopted Chinese infant daughter continues at the Reason link above.
Darryl Frears has the skinny on the documentation requirements in the WaPo:
The Real ID Act, which the Senate approved yesterday, would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to obtain identification that the federal government will recognize when they try to board an airplane, fill out tax forms or open a bank account. But the measure would affect U.S. citizens as well.Americans would need an authentic copy of their birth certificate to apply for a new driver's license or renew an old one. The certificates must be verified at the counter by a Department of Motor Vehicles agent, along with other identification, such as Social Security numbers and utility bills. Governors, legislatures and officials in motor vehicle departments oppose the act, saying it would lead to agonizingly long lines at DMV offices.
I dunno about you, but when I go to the DMV, as nice as a few of the employees there may be (and I say this more out of optimism than experience), I do sometimes get the impression that I'm dealing with somebody whose brain cells are largely off duty.
Leave a comment