It’s time to move away from Social Security Cards for ID verification
Who thought it was a good idea to verify a person’s identification with a card that has a unique number associated with the individual but lacks a photograph? The origin of this concept stems from a deliberate decision to avoid replicating the practices of German soldiers during World War Two, who would verify the identity of individuals by requesting papers to verify ID.
I understand the premise that we do not want to empower anyone to request ID at will, as it could lead to potential oppression. However, we already have laws in place to address this concern, known as probable cause.
SSN ID in the digital age
It simply doesn’t work. Social Security Numbers can grant access to someone else’s entire financial life or worse be misused in a different way. It’s time for a more secure and tangible alternative.
Alternatives used outside of the U.S
An alternative, albeit not ideal, is facial recognition, as implemented in China. While the technology is impressive, it is not flawless, and raises concerns about its use for oppressive purposes. It does make it difficult for identity and/or financial theft more difficult.
The UAE employs an ID card with chip verification, akin to the technology found in US passports. However, unlike the United States, we don’t utilize our passports as a means of identification in many crucial aspects of daily life, such as employment.
Pitfalls of a stricter identification
The points raised so far don’t explicitly argue that the current use of a Social Security Number for identification is easier.
Undocumented workers would be the most adversely affected, and if a transition to a more stringent form of identification is considered, provisions must be made to ensure the well-being of these workers.
In the U.S., the majority of undocumented individuals are employed in labor-intensive sectors, including construction, agriculture, and to a lesser extent, the automotive industry.
We must establish a more accessible path to citizenship for undocumented workers, the majority of whom are willing to take on jobs that most citizens are not inclined to pursue.
I understand the concern that often arises — ‘They’re going to steal our jobs,’ right? However, if these are positions that few citizens are willing to undertake, involve paying taxes without reaping the full benefits, and contribute to building the American future, why not welcome them?
Surely this is a win-win situation.
The other danger of Social Security
If we do not reform our identification system to enhance the protection of American citizens and simultaneously facilitate the path for others to become American citizens, we will encounter a significant problem
As the U.S. population ages, an increasing number of younger individuals will need to contribute more to Social Security, potentially placing excessive strain on healthcare systems and imposing a heightened financial burden on younger generations.
We need to increase our population handle the potential increased financial we will have from Social Security. Besides increasing fertility, which has been in a decline, the best path would be more immigration.
We should broaden the use of the Social Security Number beyond solely identifying citizens and permanent residents who pay taxes. Instead, we should utilize the SSN to identify all taxpayers, including those who are undocumented and on a path towards citizenship. This would render it a less useful citizen/GC identifier, reserved for other organizational purposes, and we would have to use a more strict form of identification.
What does this all mean for SSN as an ID
It should be avoided at all costs. Verifying identity with just a name and SSN, without a photo ID, offers no benefits and poses substantial risks. Presently, one could potentially go to a bank with a fake name and an SSN, effectively taking over someone’s financials. This represents a significant security risk.
Where do we go from here
Opting for an alternative government ID, such as REAL ID, state ID, or a driver’s license, could be a more viable solution. REAL ID stands out as a strong option, especially given its acceptance for accessing military bases by the federal government.
The challenge lies in mandating financial institutions, employers, and other organizations to adopt a different form of ID, other than the SSN. Despite its difficulty, it is a necessary step that must be taken.
