Tennessee's Alternative to Real ID Act
With the Real ID Act poised to pass in Congress -- an anti-illegal immigration law that would require driver's license applicants to show no less than four forms of ID -- Jeralyn at TalkLeft points to an alternative in Tennessee that could offer states a way out.
Tennessee is one of two states that issues immigrants a driver's "certificate" regardless of their legal status. As the New York Times explains:
Tennessee is one of two states that issues immigrants a driver's "certificate" regardless of their legal status. As the New York Times explains:
Tennessee is one of only two states that issue two different driver's permits: a license, for citizens and permanent residents; and a certificate for driving, primarily for those who cannot prove they are here legally. To satisfy domestic security concerns, the state has tried to forbid the certificate's use as identification. Utah also has a two-tiered system.Given that the Real ID Act seems destined to pass, Jeralyn's point that Tennessee's law may offer a lesser-evil alternative makes sense:
Two-tiered systems like Tennessee's are discriminatory. Since the certificate is so different in appearance from a driver's license, it's a red flag - a scarlet letter. It doesn't operate as an identification card which prevents many immigrant workers from opening bank accounts. It would be better for the Senate to refuse to pass the Real ID Act this week. Since that's not likely to happen, this may be the best alternative.
3 Comments:
This has not been updated as of 02/27/08. Looks like the RealID passed and TN only has until May to ask for an extention OR no one in TN will be able to use the DL for ID to board a plane or get a JOB??? Just where do we stand in TN on this issue?
The damage has already been done... when the real ID act passed you became just another number. This very well could be the mark of the beast. You will not be able to buy food or do just about anything without it! I hope TN stands tall and the people in this state take matters in their own hand!
I don't see an answer to the question of where Tennessee stands on the RealID issue! I know they were offered 3 million to pass this law. JUST SAY NO..that's what Reagan always used to say and I have found it works well! If the states stand strong against our governments lies and invasion of our privacy we can remain a land of Liberty and Justice! If we don't SAY NO now, we will be facing prison in the future when they have the upper hand and all we are to them are protestors...our gov't has for the first time in history, brought our own American troops to patrol in our land, to prevent civil unrest! STAY STRONG ALL!!!
Study records of everyone you vote for Nov. 4...lets vote out the bad guys! Consider voting Libertarian..Ron Paul is who I am writing in!
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