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Immigrants Face Unique Issues in Getting a Real ID
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The Real ID Act of 2005 will soon make it mandatory to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for “official purposes,” such as air travel and entering federal buildings, including courthouses. While the deadline for requiring REAL IDs has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact is they will soon become necessary for many people.
The strict documentation required for obtaining a REAL ID can present challenges for many immigrants. The attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, understand how intimidating and frustrating these requirements can be, and we want to help. Here we’ll provide information on the REAL ID requirements and how they may impact some immigrants. If you have an outstanding immigration or deportation issue that may prevent you from obtaining state identification, contact our office today to request a consultation.
Requirements for Getting a REAL ID
Each state will continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards through their own agencies – in Indiana, it’s the BMV, and in Illinois, it’s the Secretary of State’s office. For this reason, the exact documents accepted will vary by state, but all state will require the following:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Two Proofs of Address
- Lawful Status
Even for non-immigrants, the documents needed to verify these items can be tough to locate. It would be wise to take advantage of the extended deadline to begin tracking down these documents right away – even if you are naturalized or a lawful permanent resident.
Can Non-Citizens or Undocumented Immigrants Obtain a REAL ID?
Currently, 14 states allow undocumented immigrants to get a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. Under the REAL ID requirements, compliant states will still be allowed to issue these documents to non-citizens. However, they will not be considered compliant for official purposes. For those without documentation of legal presence who may face a court appearance, enforcement of the current REAL ID standards could create serious problems.
Possible Challenges to Getting A REAL ID
Unfortunately, even naturalized citizens and immigrants who reside in the U.S. legally may face hurdles when seeking a compliant ID. In some states, a passport may be the easiest way to obtain a REAL ID, but they can be costly to procure. In addition, this requires either a birth certificate or Consular Report of Foreign Birth, which some immigrants may not possess.
The requirements for proof of residence will also create problems for many immigrants. Those who live with family or friends, for example, or married a U.S. citizen, may have difficulty proving their address. And for immigrants without a stable home, it may be impossible to produce the documents needed to obtain a REAL ID.
For those who cannot meet the requirements, a non-compliant ID may still be available. However, these IDs will be clearly marked as non-compliant, which many fear will appear as an indicator of undocumented status, even though legal residents may choose a non-compliant ID for other reasons.
We Help Immigrants Secure Their Future
The concern over REAL IDs is just one of many ways that immigrants can be impacted differently than other citizens. The immigration lawyers at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, have spent decades helping immigrants navigate complex legal challenges and successfully resolve issues related to their residency or status. If you or a loved one are facing an immigration or removal case, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we may be able to assist you.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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