I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially issued an extension to the REAL ID Act. If the extension had not been granted, New Mexicans would be forced to use passports for identification when flying — even domestically.
“In order to ensure that the millions of Americans traveling this holiday season are not disrupted, DHS is extending the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. The May 10, 2011, deadline for full compliance remains in effect, and the Department will continue to work closely with states to meet this deadline,” DHS spokesman Matt Chandler said in a statement.
This is not the first time the REAL ID Act has been extended. All 50 states were given an extension from the original May 11, 2008 deadline for compliance to December 31, 2009.
Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan had previously said an extension would be granted, but today’s news makes it official.
“There has been significant concern among the people of New Mexico about this law, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to resolve the issues associated with it,” Lujan, who sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security, said in a statement.
Bingaman and Udall had sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressing concern about the REAL ID Act and New Mexico’s readiness for compliance.
Both welcomed the news of the extension.
“REAL ID had caused quite a bit of confusion and uncertainty for New Mexicans who have holiday plans that may require air travel. I am happy to report that the extension has been made official by the Department of Homeland Security just as we reported last week,” Udall said.
“This decision makes it clear that New Mexicans’ travel plans will not be interrupted by REAL ID. Now the important work of finding a long-term solution to this problem must get underway,” Bingaman said.
According to the DHS, 46 of 56 states and territories would not have reached compliance with the provisions of the REAL ID Act.
The law had been criticized by many politicians, including then-governor Napolitano for being an unfunded mandate. Civil rights groups said the law would be a massive invasion of privacy for citizens.
As DHS secretary, Napalitano urged the passage of the PASS ID Act, a similar but less stringent law.
