National Id

The idea of a National ID card leaped into the headlines just after September 11. (Carlson 1) After the World Trade Center tragedy, many countries discussed the issue of national identity cards to prevent terrorists from entering the American population. A National Identification card would be a convenient document, typically a plasticized card with digitally- embedded information. An individual would be required or encouraged to carry this identification card everywhere to confirm ones identity. “On May 11, 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act as part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act, creating national standards for the issuance of state driver’s licenses and identification cards. The act establishes certain standards, procedures and requirements that must be met by May 11, 2008 if state-issued IDs are to be accepted as valid identification by the federal government. The Real ID will cost more than $11 billion to implement.” (National Governors Association 1) This act is awfully controversial because the plan would include developing a national database of basic personal information. For example, the new National ID card will hold access to an individual’s medical, financial, driving, Social Security, license, firearms registrations, and political status. In essence, the national identification card will seize all the information necessary to know everything about ones history. Without the card, people could be denied bank accounts and the right to travel by plane in the United States of America. Basically, no one will be considered a citizen without the national identification card.

Since the September 11 tragedy, there has been serious debate brewing over a national identification card or system. A national identification card or system would require U.S citizens to carry an ID card, with their fingerprints and retina scans. Supporters of such a system see it as

a way to consolidate and tighten border and airline security by tracking law breakers and illegal aliens. Critics of the idea say that the proposed ID card is an extreme, reactionary measure that would provide little benefit and could seriously infringe civil liberties and lead to more intense profiling of those who fit a terrorist description. (Flagg 1) This is why the Real ID act is a very controversial issue in the United States.

There are many valid reasons for the development of a National Identity Card. Proponents of the Real ID act would agree that the card would save valuable time and money. First of all, if every American was forced to carry an ID card, when demanded by a police officer an individual must produce a card. It that individual cannot show the card this leaves a vague possibility that the individual is a terrorist or more likely an illegal alien. The card would help reduce the opportunity of terrorists and illegal immigrants from entering the United States. Second, it would alleviate the very time-consuming waiting period to board aircraft. Third, the national ID would help reduce fraud in the US. When making a purchase either via a check or credit card, the ID can be demanded by the seller hopefully reducing fraud. These are a few reasons of why proponents would agree for the development of the National Identity Card. (National Identify Card)

First, the National Identification card would alleviate the very time consuming waiting period to board aircraft. “Anyone who had the card would be allowed to pass through airports and building security more expeditiously, and anyone who opted out would be examined much more closely.” (Dershowitz ). “Instead of having to deal with a multitude of different identification documents, some of which are of questionable security, government agencies and

private entities would be able to demand a single, instantly recognizable identification document Likewise, citizens and consumers could simplify the documentation they need to carry and present for identification purposes. This could heighten identification security, as well as reduce cost and increase convenience. In conclusion, the national identification card would dramatically save time in governments agencies, such as airlines, and create a more safer and convenient environment.” (Watkins)

Second, a national ID would reduce the likelihood that someone could, intentionally or not, get lost in the cracks of multiple bureaucracies. A national card would be uniform and difficult to forge or alter, which would reduce fraud and make it safer to transact online in the United States. The absence of a secure national ID has left the country dealing messily with issues such as fraud. (Why Not a National ID?) “The point of the ID is not to make sure that people are carrying the correct form of identification. It is to make sure that they do not have a weapon. Almost any identification card that can be created can be counterfeited, and a fake national ID would present more dangers than a fake driver's license.” (A National ID) Proponents of the cards claim that cards will reduce fraud because the cards will allow the holders to prove they are who they claim to be.

Third, the national ID would be an effective tool for preventing terrorism and facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants. (Dershowitz) However, President Bush has proposed giving legal status to many of the illegal immigrants that today live in the United States. The illegal immigrants would actually benefit from the national ID card because it would demonstrate their status to government officials. It would make it more difficult for potential

terrorists to hide in open view, which opponents believe would make the United States a safer and secure environment.

There are several valid reasons for Americans to oppose the development of the national ID card. First, the national ID might increase the power of authorities. For example, police could challenge members of the public, especially in the minority neighborhoods, to show their national ID. (Why Not a National ID?) Second, the national ID could increase identity theft options because all sorts of personal information would be centralized, thereby giving hackers a one stop opportunity to access a lot of vital information. Opponents of national ID cards argue that the cards would be expensive to implement and that the information contained in the cards would not be secure if the cards were connected to a national database. Third, the national ID could suffer from “function creep”. (National ID Cards) Many fear that the national identification card would lead to the misuse of government power. These are a few reasons