The Real ID Has Arrived: Identification of the Future?

thepaper6
Oct 13
3 min read

By Francisca Lorca

The Real ID has officially arrived in New York. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center to avoid future terrorist activity by implementing a new technology. This new ID allows easy access across the fifty states to documented individuals’ information (such as address, photos, and social security number, etc.) at the time of traveling in domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

The act received pushback after advocates from different groups such as: Immigrants Rising, ACLU, and NYCLU showed concerns over possible infringements on personal privacy and unfair biases against immigrants and people of color. In cities that are highly populated–and filled with a vast variety of people from all over the world–the effects of such a mandate and its policies could be felt mostly in the heart of immigrant communities.

In the case of New York City, undocumented immigrants face another set of issues when it comes to obtaining a Real ID. After the Green Light Law went into effect, New Yorkers from the ages of 16 and onward had the opportunity to obtain their driver’s license regardless of their immigration status in the United States. A Social Security Number isn’t needed when it comes to getting this identification that falls under another categorization of New York State IDs known as “Standard ID.” People can identify them by the “not for federal purposes” limitation.

However, when it comes to the requirements needed to obtain a Real ID, proof of citizenship or residency is needed, such as: birth certificate, two proofs of address, social security card, and proof of legal status in the United States. After May 7th of this year, having your Real ID card became a requirement, making it impossible for people who rely on their standard licenses or non-driver IDs to provide meaningful identification when it comes to entering federal buildings and traveling.

A few weeks ago, Luis Cordoba–a taxi driver of more than 25 years in NYC, a lawful resident immigrant from Colombia–had an encounter with an immigration officer at the JFK Airport. He was stopped at one of the terminals shortly after dropping off a passenger and was asked specifically for his Real ID identification. In this case, he had already obtained it shortly before this encounter. After talking to him about his experience, he mentions that during these situations there isn’t really any other option other than to comply with their request. To him “this is important to do because it can help avoid any sort of escalations or further conflict.” However, what would’ve happened if Cordoba didn’t have this document? In some cases, having the Real ID is not enough. According to USA Today, Leonardo Garcia Venegas–a US citizen–sued the current administration for what he believes was racial profiling. Allegedly, he was arrested regardless of proper documentation, which was his proof of citizenship and Real ID.

Cases like these have been documented recently, with law enforcement taking a stricter stance when it comes to identifying individuals. As a result, different groups such as immigrants, citizens, and minorities have become aware of the changes. Such encounters with the authorities come with a set of challenges, and they seem to happen regardless of lawful status.

Francisca Lorca was born and raised in Chile, and immigrated to the United States in 2015. She is a junior majoring in Political Science and Communications, with a concentration in journalism, and minoring in theatre. Francisca transferred to CCNY in the Spring of 2025, returning to college after ten years. She has also worked in catering, and as a server for years, before returning to college. While also being neurodivergent, Francisca is a mother who strives to serve as a role model for her daughter. Her interests include: investigative journalism and finding ways to support immigrants rights and uplift those with similar backgrounds and experiences, crocheting, reading plays, and theater.