Department Of Homeland Security Argument Analysis
After reviewing the comments, I chose category 12, those without access to required documents. The comments suggested that the REAL ID Act would make it difficult and burdensome for low-income people. The Act would cause people to lose money from missing work to take time off to apply and get the required information. Another comment suggested that there would be an increase in counterfeit IDs because people don’t have the proper documentation. Finally, requiring a person to produce certain documents is unfair to foreign nationals, Native Americans, victims of domestic violence, the homeless, the elderly, military personnel and victims of natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) response was the REAL ID Act does not have
a negative impact on certain groups and there is no evidence these groups lack the documents required to prove a person’s name, date of birth, SSN, and lawful status. DHS said each individual State has the power to fix the money issue. If the state feels there is a disadvantage to certain people and they cannot afford the fees, they can reduce or possible waive the fees. Each individual state also has the power to set up certain exceptions for different situations like victims of natural disasters. DHS did address the concerns posted in the comments. I feel the agency can make its own choice. Not everyone will agree but in this case, I feel it is not that much of a burden to get the proper information required for an ID. In the state of New Mexico, where I happen to live, we are going through this process. It is a hassle to get the proper documentation but the state makes the documents accessible. Requests for most of the information is available online, by mail and by appointment with the department. New Mexico was one of the few states that allowed everyone to get an ID including illegal immigrants. The REAL ID Act is a very controversial topic here and people don’t like the requirements or the steps involved to get our license now but most understand why we need the process. I feel there is nothing wrong with requiring a person to prove who they are. To suggest that certain people could lose wages or their job because they need to get this information is not reasonable. I also think it was unfair in the comments to suggest that certain group are incapable of getting this information so they should have to.
a negative impact on certain groups and there is no evidence these groups lack the documents required to prove a person’s name, date of birth, SSN, and lawful status. DHS said each individual State has the power to fix the money issue. If the state feels there is a disadvantage to certain people and they cannot afford the fees, they can reduce or possible waive the fees. Each individual state also has the power to set up certain exceptions for different situations like victims of natural disasters. DHS did address the concerns posted in the comments. I feel the agency can make its own choice. Not everyone will agree but in this case, I feel it is not that much of a burden to get the proper information required for an ID. In the state of New Mexico, where I happen to live, we are going through this process. It is a hassle to get the proper documentation but the state makes the documents accessible. Requests for most of the information is available online, by mail and by appointment with the department. New Mexico was one of the few states that allowed everyone to get an ID including illegal immigrants. The REAL ID Act is a very controversial topic here and people don’t like the requirements or the steps involved to get our license now but most understand why we need the process. I feel there is nothing wrong with requiring a person to prove who they are. To suggest that certain people could lose wages or their job because they need to get this information is not reasonable. I also think it was unfair in the comments to suggest that certain group are incapable of getting this information so they should have to.