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New US Travel ID Rules Spark Concerns Over Immigrant, Student Impact

The TSA is enforcing stricter Real ID rules, introducing a $45 fee for travelers without compliant identification to cover extra verification costs. Lawmakers warn the policy could disproportionately affect international students, immigrants, and visa holders facing document delays. TSA officials argue the fee is necessary to manage resource strain and maintain aviation security standards. The issue is set to gain more attention as the summer travel season approaches, with concerns about increased costs and confusion for lawful travelers.

Key Points: US TSA's Stricter ID Rules May Burden Immigrants, Students

  • $45 fee for non-compliant ID
  • Targets 6% of travelers
  • Strains TSA resources
  • Disproportionate immigrant impact
  • Summer travel season concern
2 min read

Tighter US travel ID rules may hit immigrants, students

New TSA "Confirm ID" program enforces Real ID law with a $45 fee, raising concerns over disproportionate effects on international travelers and visa holders.

"Policies intended to improve security should not unintentionally restrict lawful travel. - US Lawmakers"

Washington, Jan 23

US airport security officials have defended stricter identity rules as lawmakers warned the changes could disproportionately affect immigrants and international students who travel domestically.

At a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed full enforcement of the Real ID law and outlined a new program that charges travelers a fee if they lack compliant identification.

Under the "Confirm ID" program, passengers without Real ID-compliant documents must pay a $45 fee to undergo additional identity verification.

TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said the fee is designed to cover the cost of extra screening and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

She said about six per cent of travelers remain non-compliant, even though Congress passed the Real ID law more than 20 years ago.

McNeill said processing non-compliant travelers strains TSA staffing and resources, particularly during peak travel periods.

Several lawmakers raised concerns that the policy could disproportionately affect international students, recent immigrants and visa holders.

They cited delays in obtaining documents during visa transitions, changes in immigration status or state-level processing backlogs.

Lawmakers warned the new fee could increase travel costs and create confusion at airports.

They also said tighter screening could lead to longer wait times, missed flights and inconsistent treatment.

McNeill said Real ID enforcement is essential to aviation security. She said identity verification is a cornerstone of the US airport screening system.

She stressed that the Confirm ID program does not waive security requirements or lower standards.

Instead, she said, it adds another layer of verification for travelers who arrive without compliant documents.

Immigration advocates countered that lawful travelers should not be penalized for bureaucratic delays beyond their control.

They said new arrivals often face gaps between federal immigration documents and state-issued identification.

Members of Congress said they would monitor the rollout of the program and its impact on immigrants and students.

They warned that policies intended to improve security should not unintentionally restrict lawful travel.

The issue is expected to draw more attention ahead of the summer travel season, when millions of students, workers and families move across the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Security is important, but this seems like a tax on people who are already following the rules. The system is slow, and students/immigrants get caught in the red tape. They should fix the document processing delays first instead of charging people for the government's inefficiency.
A
Aditya G
I understand the need for secure IDs, but a blanket fee feels unfair. Many Indian H-1B holders face months of waiting for documents during status change. This will hit the diaspora hard, especially those who travel for work within the US. Hope lawmakers find a balanced solution.
S
Sarah B
As someone who worked with international students, this is a step backwards. The US attracts global talent, and policies like this make it less welcoming. The fee is not huge, but the principle is wrong—penalizing people for legal bureaucratic delays.
V
Vikram M
While security can't be compromised, the TSA should have a grace period or a waiver for those with pending applications. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for immigration matters. This will definitely create more confusion and anxiety at airports.
K
Karthik V
It's been 20 years since the law passed. If only 6% are non-compliant, maybe the focus should be on helping that minority—mostly immigrants and students—rather than charging them. Feels like revenue generation more than problem-solving.

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