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Congress Passes National ID Legislation

HeadlineMay 11, 2005

Attached to the spending bill was a highly controversial provision on National Identification Cards. Critics blasted the Republicans for tagging it on to the legislation and say that it is unconstitutional and anti-immigrant. The measure requires states to start issuing more uniform driver’s licenses and verify the citizenship or legal status of people getting them. It also toughens asylum laws, authorizes the completion of a fence across the California-Mexican border and provides money to hire more border security agents. Critics say the legislation also encourages bounty hunters to hunt undocumented immigrants and makes asylum seekers get proof from their own government that they are being persecuted. Groups opposing the bill run the gamut of the political spectrum, from the ACLU to Gun Owners of America.

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