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Liberals have epic meltdown as California DMV hands over driver license data to feds

liberals-have-epic-meltdown-as-california-dmv-hands-over-driver-license-data-to-feds
Liberals have epic meltdown as California DMV hands over driver license data to feds

California is moving to share sensitive driver’s license data — including information tied to illegal immigrants — in a decision that’s sparking backlash from liberals who fear more than 1 million people could face heightened deportation risks.

State officials plan to provide the data to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a nationwide DMV group that operates a multi-state system used to flag duplicate licenses, according to CalMatters.

The move is tied to compliance with the federal REAL ID Act — which governs what identification is accepted at airports and other federal facilities — but critics say once the data is uploaded, it could be accessed beyond California’s control.

Sign for the Department of Motor Vehicles, State of California.
California plans to provide the driver data to a DMV group that operates a system used to flag duplicate licenses. Chris Allan – stock.adobe.com
Sign for the Department of Motor Vehicles, State of California.
The move is tied to compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, which governs what identification is accepted at airports. Getty Images

“This is a direct betrayal,” said Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy, arguing the state is breaking a promise made when it began issuing licenses to illegal residents more than a decade ago.

More than 1 million Californians hold licenses under that program, which was designed to improve road safety while shielding applicants’ information from being used to determine immigration status.

At the center of the concern is how the data could be used once it leaves state hands. The system includes partial Social Security Numbers — or a placeholder code for those without one — which critics say could effectively flag illegal immigrants.

State officials say access to the database is limited and bulk searches are not allowed. But advocates warn subpoenas — or requests routed through local agencies — could still open the door to federal immigration authorities.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said California is working to protect personal data while remaining compliant with federal requirements.

The proposal is still tied to the state budget process, with the DMV seeking $55 million to carry out the data transfer.

For now, lawmakers are weighing the plan — as critics warn the stakes could be far-reaching.


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