National ID Card Bill Goes to Senate
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By Marcel Votlucka The Senate is set to vote on the Real ID Act, which sets federal standards for drivers licenses and makes it harder for immigrants to seek asylum in the US. The bill gives the federal government authority to maintain databases containing detailed information on citizens, which will be linked to other databases in Canada and Mexico. This includes information currently contained on drivers licenses as well as any other kinds of information the Department of Homeland Security sees fit. This could include retinal scans, fingerprints, and even DNA. The bill also provides for radio tags on IDs which enable authorities to keep track of a person’s movements. The bill’s supporters argue that its provisions will improve security and intelligence. However, civil liberties groups point out that the Real ID Act is flagrantly unconstitutional, recklessly invades people’s privacy, and that the databases and radio tags present the risk of identity theft. Immigrant advocacy groups also claim that the bill is unfairly targeting immigrants by placing new barriers to asylum-seekers. House Republicans attached the Real ID Act to an emergency spending bill including funding for the occupation in Iraq as well as for tsunami relief. This is a common tactic intended to lure legislators into voting for otherwise dubious bills. Senate Democrats are poised to vote in favor of the bill; seeing how John Kerry was hurt in his presidential campaign by allegations that he was unsupportive of the troops, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid admitted that Democrats may have to acquiesce to the Real ID Act whilst voting “yes” for the emergency funding intended for the armed forces occupying Iraq. Related Articles: |
