National ID System in the United States - Report Example

National Id System in United s National ID System in United s National identification is any documentwhich may be used to verify aspects of a person’s personal identity. The use of the national identity (ID) card is very important especially for meeting the security concerns of the nation. The use of ID varies from one country to another; in certain countries, the possession of a government produced identity card is compulsory while in others it may be voluntary. When a country does not use a national identity card, it may accept the driving license as an identification document. While driving licenses can provide the most effective method of proof of identity, other countries accept passports as a form of identification. One of the main arguments brought against a National ID Card System in the United States of America is that it is perceived to remove more of the citizens’ rights. Use of ID Cards in the United States National identity cards can be used to frustrate both terrorists and illegal immigrants in the United States or in any other part of the world. In the United States, ID cards have long been considered as the only means to enhance national security, detect potential terrorists and guard against illegal immigrants. They are in use in many countries across the world including countries in Europe and Asia (Gallup and Newport, 2006). The United States and the United Kingdom have long been engaged in a debate of the merits and the demerits of identity cards, the type of cards to use, their functions and the privacy safeguards of the cards. Over the years, Americans have rejected the idea of a national ID card. Americans have been using the social security number (SSN) which was created in 1936. The SSN number was meant to be used only as an account number to be used in administration as well as in the social security system according to Brabston and Laudon (2002). Following the events of September 11, 2001, there has been a renewed debate on the importance of national identity cards to protect the country against terrorist attacks. Various individuals have come up with ideas on how to develop an effective identity card to be used across America. Larry Ellison, the head of a California based software company (Oracle Corporation) called for the development of a national identification system. Ellison offered to donate the technology to make this possible. The identity cards according to him were to have digitized thumbprints and photographs embedded in them and were to be issued to each and every legal resident in America. The idea was widely rejected by the public as well as the government according to Brabston et al (2010). American citizens continue to debate the issue of national identity cards to-date. Several new proposals for the creation of a national identification system have been made, some people advocating for the standardization of the driving license. In 2005, the US congress passed the Real ID Act, which mandates the federal government to recognize drivers’ licenses for certain official uses. This was due to the opposing views on the use of national identity cards (Smith and Hung, 2010). Under the Real ID Act, the government of the United States has been issuing the passport card to its citizens upon request. The main purpose of the card is for traveling both on the land and on the sea within North America. Other uses of the card may include domestic air travel or when entering federal buildings. When all these requirements come into effect, it will force people living in the United States whose driver’s licenses and ID cards are not real ID to comply with the new requirements. The real ID can also be used as a valid proof of citizenship and proof of identity both inside and outside the United States (Epic, 2010). Arguments for the use of ID Cards One advantage in the use of ID cards is that identity verification in banks or at national boarders with a standard national identification would be simpler than using the physically bulky passports. In addition, eligibility of ownership verification would be faster and more efficient; the use of false identification may be reduced in cases where an identity card is mandatory in accessing a bank account (Epic, 2010). Beyond doubt, Americans deserve to live in peace and with their security assured. Many specialists argue that the ID cards help in monitoring illegal immigration and help in countering terrorists (Epic, 2010). Furthermore, the cards are a sure means of identification when obtaining vital services such as banking which need accurate verification of personal details. In this respect, ID cards can help in countering crimes such as synthetic identity theft. Arguments against the ID Cards Opponents of the Real ID Act argue that if adopted, the identity cards would impose a burden upon both the government and the citizens. Opponents have also pointed out that extensive lobbying for identity cards is mainly being done by IT companies who are likely to reap rich benefits in the event of an identity card scheme being implemented (Smith and Hung, 2010). Other arguments against the introduction of the ID cards project that the cost of producing ID cards can be very high. Further, the ID card can lead to an increase in identity fraud. The system can lead to official reliance on a document that has already been forged since no country has ever produced unforgeable ID card. In many cases, according to the opponents, other documents such as the driving license and passport can perform the same function of a national identity card. In addition, they argue that cards with centralized database could be used to monitor an individual’s movements and private life thereby infringing on their rights to privacy and freedom. Privacy of an individual must be protected at all times and as such the introduction of the national identification system would actually infringe on the privacy of citizens (Smith and Hung, 2010). Under the new regulations, without ID cards that comply with anti-terrorist standards, American citizens will not be able to access certain facilities and services including courthouses, national parks, federal buildings and national park (Aclu, 2003). Opponents of the ID system have claimed that it offers a false sense of security and hence will not keep American citizens any freer or safer than they have been in the past. Furthermore, the ID cards will not solve the problem which has continued to be its inspiration according to many opponents of the ID system. This is the case arguably since terrorists and illegal immigrants continue to obtain the documents through various means; both legal and illegal according to Aclu (2003). Yet another backing for neglecting the ID system is with respect to the creation of a national database of all citizens. In the event that a mistake is made in the database on an individual’s account, the impact could be devastating on the person’s life (Aclu, 2003). For example, such a person may be deemed unemployable, or the person could be denied access to certain services in spite of being eligible for them. Some people have claimed that IDs could foster discrimination and lead to a culture of unwarranted harassment especially for people who sound or appear to be foreigners. This argument is based on the experiences of minority groups such as the Hispanics and Asians following the enactment of some sections of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985. Studies showed that after the enactment of this law, at least 20% of employers engaged in discrimination (Aclu, 2003). Conclusion Several arguments in support for and against national identification have been put forward. With the ID cards, it is believed that certain crimes can be prevented. Furthermore, the cards provide a secure means of identification when it comes to making transactions. However, the ID card system can lead to the denial of rights such as freedom of movement and encourage discrimination and harassment. The emerging fact is that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of the ID card system with respect to the infringement of personal rights and freedoms. References Aclu (2003) Five Problems with national ID cards Retrieved on 8th December, 2010 from http://www.aclu.org/technology-and-liberty/5-problems-national-id-cards Brabston E. and Laudon M. (2002). Management information systems: managing the digital firm. London, Prentice Hall. Epic (2010). National ID and the real ID act. Retrieved on 8th December, 2010 from http://epic.org/privacy/id-cards/ Gallup A. and Newport F. (2006). The Gallup poll: public opinion 2005. New York, Rowman & Littlefield. Smith S. and Hung C. (2010). The patriotic Act: issues and controversies. New York, Charles Thomas. Read More