Immigration Reform Caucus
Congressman Brian Bilbray, Chairman
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June 20, 2008
washington, d.c. — The Department of Homeland Security announced today that it will provide $80 million to assist states in complying with the Real ID Act of 2005. California will receive $3.2 million. Congressman Brian Bilbray, who as Chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus has aggressively sought to improve the security of driver’s licenses and other identification documents, released the following statement:
“Securing our country starts with ensuring that those who are living in the United States are who they say they are, and are legally entitled to be here. To that end, we must enhance our ability to verify the authenticity of driver’s licenses and other sources of identification.”
“The September 11th hijackers were able to carry out their horrific attacks because they used counterfeit identification documents to clear airport security. It should come as no surprise when I say that there are others who are walking our streets with phony documents.”
“A product of the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act of 2005 put in place new federal standards for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver identification cards. The grants that are being awarded today will go a long way towards helping states comply with this Act and advancing our national objective of providing for the safety of all Americans.”
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