Washington, DC., — December 18, 2018 — Yesterday in Washington D.C., President Donald J. Trump signed into law the REAL ID Act Modification for the Freely Associated States Act H.R. 3398 was recently passed this month by the Senate through unanimous consent after the same bill was passed and referred by the House. The following statement was released yesterday as an expression of appreciation by President Peter M. Christian:

“On behalf of the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia residing in the United States of America, I extend to President Trump, the sponsors and supporters of the REAL ID modification bill in both the House and the Senate our sincere appreciation and warm thank you. The signing of this bill into law will make life much easier for our citizens to obtain state identification documents and drivers licenses. Furthermore, it provides a clear statement by the United States that it fully recognizes the privileges extended to our citizens who are lawfully residing in the United States pursuant to the Compact of Free Association.”

The White House also released a statement on the said bill, which is as follows:

“On Monday, December 17, 2018, the President signed into law: …H.R. 3398, the “REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act,” which authorizes States to issue permanent driver’s licenses or identification cards to citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; ..”

FSM citizens throughout the U.S. have kept a keen interest in the bill because it will help ease the difficulties in obtaining IDs and driver licenses which are now required under the existing 2005 REAL ID Act.

Please contact the Embassy of Micronesia in D.C., at (202)223-4383 or contact the nearest FSM Consulate in your area should you require more information on this new law.