The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is facing scrutiny for allowing illegal immigrants to fly throughout the U.S. without proper identification. Two Republican senators, Mike Lee and Rick Scott, have introduced the VALID Act, an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill, which would prevent migrants from using the CBP app as an acceptable form of identification to fly. Lee argues that illegal immigrants are being flown across the nation without ID while American citizens require a driver’s license or passport. The TSA has yet to comment on the matter, and the amendment’s inclusion is uncertain as Majority Leader Chuck Schumer typically restricts amendments in regular order.
As the border crisis continues, migrants have been seen in large numbers at airports across the country. The TSA’s failure to require proper identification poses concerns for transportation safety and national security. Lee and Scott believe their VALID Act is necessary to address this issue.
Congress has until May 10 to pass the FAA reauthorization, but a time agreement has not yet been reached, leaving the passage of the bill in limbo. It remains to be seen whether Lee’s amendment will be considered or whether the FAA will address the issue of lax TSA standards for illegal immigrants who fly without proper identification.
