National Id Cards

After the attacks on September 11, 2001, America fell in to a time of panic and hysteria. People around the nation feared for their lives, afraid that terrorists would hit spots around them. National security became the number one issue of concern to every American. The question was posed: what can possibly be done to make the lives of every American safer from terrorism? How will government agencies be able to track down people who want to endanger American citizen’s lives? The answer to that question is simple: the creation of a National ID card. This ID card would hold very important information about the owner of the card. According to the supporters of this National ID card, it would not only deter terrorism, but make all American citizens safer. The truth is, the National ID card is extremely dangerous and will actually cause more harm than good. Creating a National ID card will expose Americans to new dangers and will create a false sense of security, thus in reality, make Americans less secure.

Those in favor of National ID card argue that Americans will be more safer and protected from terrorist attacks if the ID card is put in affect. Starting with the card itself, supporters say it cannot be copied because of the technology the cards are going to have. The ID will have bar codes that will need to be scanned and biometrics, which are like palm prints. Because of these security characteristics, it will be impossible to create a fraudulent ID card. Since the ID will hold private information about the owner, it will be easier for government agencies to seek out terrorists or people that are possible threats to national security. Certain groups are also concerned that they will be singled out if the National ID card is established. These groups should not worry because the card will accurately identify United States citizens from those people who are on terrorist watch lists. Having National ID cards will ultimately reduce the temptation of government agencies or those checking the ID cards to go after specific groups of people because of suspicion. Lastly, the National ID card will make it faster and more efficient for people to get through post 9/11 roadblocks. For example, in airports, flyers will not have to worry about the long lines in airports due to random baggage and passenger searches or license and passport checks. The National ID card will serve as the fast and stress free pass through check points enabling less chaos.

Although those who believe in the creation of the National ID card make a number of valid points, their argument is flawed. If people have figured out how to make counterfeit money, fake driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates and diplomas, who is to say they won’t figure out a way to create fake National ID cards. In today’s society and with technology increasing every day, the high tech ID card will be nothing more than something people can buy off the streets. Even if people are unable to duplicate National ID cards, they can still acquire a legitimate card in fraudulent names. For example, two 9/11 terrorists were able to acquire valid Virginia driver’s licenses in fake names. If it happened with driver’s licenses, it can and will happen with National ID cards.

The issue of whether or not the National ID cards will be able to be duplicated is not the only fault in the supporters’ argument. Although they say different, National ID cards will increase the amount of discrimination there is for certain groups of people. Those who are in charge of checking National ID cards will start to keep a close eye on individuals who they feel don’t look American or look like a terrorist. For example, any person belonging to a minority group or any person who looks or sounds “foreign” is at risk of being accused of having a fake National ID card or worse, being a terrorist. At this point, who has the right to tell someone that they are not American or not allowed to board an airplane or bus? The fact that certain groups of people are scared of the establishment of National ID cards is understandable and acceptable. Why would those people want to be questioned even