Illegal immigrants must show valid ID to board U.S.-bound flights, says McCaul

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on April 11 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a GOP-led bill that would prohibit illegal immigrants from boarding commercial flights into the U.S. without the proper state or federal identification.

“When I chaired the Homeland Security Committee, I worked closely with TSA to bolster airport and flight safety. By allowing thousands of illegal immigrants to fly without the same ID documents required of every American, the Biden administration has dismantled that work and put communities across the nation at risk,” Rep. McCaul said. “I’m proud to support this bill to enforce our laws that protect the American people.”

The Verifying that all Aliens have Legitimate Identification Documents (VALID) Act, H.R. 7951, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), would not allow an air carrier or foreign air carrier to operate an aircraft in foreign air transportation or land at any airport in the U.S. if that air carrier provides or actively facilitates the transportation of any alien who uses only immigration-issued documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Allowing illegal immigrants to abuse commercial airline travel is unacceptable. While Americans must show proper identification to board their flights, illegal immigrants are not required to do so,” said Rep. Green. “Instead, the Biden administration is recklessly allowing migrants to use the CBP One app or even their Border Patrol arrest documents as identification. This puts Americans at risk.”

Among the 22 other original cosponsors who joined Rep. McCaul in introducing H.R. 7951 was U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA). U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, according to Rep. McCaul’s staff.

The America First Policy Institute supports H.R. 7951, which has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee.