1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to bring attention to an important issue affecting many Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in Colorado, including myself. Currently, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles issues Standard Credentials to DACA recipients, which are not REAL ID-compliant. This policy creates significant barriers for DACA recipients, especially as REAL ID requirements for domestic air travel and federal facility access take full effect. Under federal guidelines, individuals with DACA status are eligible for REAL ID-compliant credentials as long as their status is active. However, due to a conflict between Colorado’s state law (CRS 42-2-509), which mandates three-year renewal periods, and federal REAL ID expiration standards, DACA recipients are effectively excluded from receiving REAL ID-compliant credentials in Colorado. This puts us at a disadvantage, as we will be unable to use our state-issued IDs for air travel or other critical activities requiring REAL ID compliance. I respectfully urge you to consider legislative action to align Colorado’s policies with federal REAL ID standards. By amending state laws to allow DACA recipients to obtain REAL ID-compliant credentials, Colorado can ensure that its residents with temporary lawful status are treated equitably and are able to participate fully in daily life without unnecessary obstacles. Providing REAL ID access to DACA recipients would not only resolve this legal inconsistency but also demonstrate Colorado’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for all residents. I would greatly appreciate your leadership in addressing this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can move forward.