Urging Congress to allow U.S. citizens to use REAL ID cards as a travel document for arrivals at land and sea ports-of-entry.
Impact
By adopting HCR112, the State of Texas seeks to enhance the efficiency and convenience of border crossings for its residents who are U.S. citizens and possess REAL ID cards. The resolution emphasizes the idea that REAL ID cards adequately represent both identity and lawful status. Therefore, allowing their use would not only simplify the travel experience but also affirm the importance of the REAL ID initiative established under federal legislation in 2005.
Summary
HCR112 is a Concurrent Resolution urging the U.S. Congress to permit U.S. citizens to utilize REAL ID cards as valid travel documents for entry at land and sea ports-of-entry. Currently, U.S. citizens are required to present specific travel documents, including passports or other federally recognized IDs when crossing borders, which may lead to a cumbersome process, especially for those holding a REAL ID card. This resolution aims to streamline border crossing for many travelers, particularly those coming from Texas, which sees millions of border crossings each year.
Conclusion
Overall, HCR112 represents an effort by Texas legislators to advocate for greater flexibility in how U.S. citizens can present their identity when entering the country. If successful, it could significantly alter the landscape for those entering the U.S. by land or sea, promoting more comprehensive recognition of REAL ID cards beyond their current limitations.
Contention
One notable aspect of HCR112 centers around the need for federally recognized travel documents and the existing limitations imposed by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Critics might argue that accommodating REAL ID cards for border entry could create security concerns or complexities in verifying the identity and lawful status of travelers at ports-of-entry. Conversely, proponents assert that this change would support a more efficient travel process for millions of law-abiding citizens using compliant identification.
Relating to verification of citizenship or legal residency for purposes of certain contracts for or concerning the purchase of residential real property located in platted subdivisions; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for illegal entry into this state from Mexico by a person who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
Declaring an invasion of the State of Texas by transnational cartel terrorists; urging the Governor to accelerate construction of a wall along the southern border; urging the U.S. Congress to deploy military forces.
Declaring an invasion of the State of Texas by transnational cartel terrorists, urging the governor to accelerate the construction of a wall along the Southern Border, and urging Congress to deploy military forces to combat transnational cartels.