Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) today denounced the introduction of the “REAL ID Act” by House Judiciary Chair Representative F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) as a divisive proposal that not only will have a profound, negative impact on Latinos and other immigrant communities but would make all Americans less safe and undermine fundamental American values of fairness, due process, and protection of those fleeing persecution.

“Congress wisely voted to strip these anti-immigrant measures from the Intelligence Reform Act in December because they were largely viewed as divisive and ineffective. Now the continued controversy over these failed and discredited measures may threaten real progress on needed comprehensive immigration reforms. We agree that the system is broken. Let’s get to the task of fixing it rather than wasting time on these false solutions,” stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

Among the consequences of the “REAL ID Act” would be an increased number of unlicensed, uninsured drivers on the roads. “Contrary to what the bill’s sponsors claim, public safety is actually improved when all drivers are properly licensed and insured, and national security is better served when individuals have valid identification documents,” Murguia stated.

The “REAL ID Act” also calls for completing a border fence in the San Diego area which will result in increased suffering, violence, and death along the border while doing nothing to stop the flow of undocumented immigrants. As current border enforcement policy has demonstrated over the last several years, border crossings will simply shift to more remote and dangerous areas and will increase the reliance of migrants on human smugglers and traffickers. “We have seen more than 2,000 border deaths since 1994. Isn’t it time to stop pouring resources into this inefficient and ineffective enforcement policy and work toward creating a rational immigration system?” asked Murguia.

Finally, the asylum-related provisions of the “REAL ID Act” will prohibit many individuals who are fleeing persecution from obtaining safe haven in the U.S. “This section of the bill is not about preventing terrorists from getting asylum; terrorists are already barred from receiving asylum. These provisions do nothing to make us safer yet they do great damage to our nation’s proud heritage as a place of refuge for those fleeing persecution,” continued Murguia.

Murguia concluded, “Latinos throughout the country have been very heartened by President Bush’s recent comments regarding the need for comprehensive immigration reform. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to create important, meaningful, and lasting changes to our immigration system which will benefit American families, workers, and businesses. Unfortunately, bills such as the “REAL ID Act” serve to undercut these reform efforts and divide Congress on the issue.”

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