by Leigh Goessl

Created on: May 05, 2010   Last Updated: September 19, 2011

National ID cards have been an on again, off again, topic in the U.S. There has been a call for them several times over the decades, but Americans routinely reject the idea. In addition it gets complicated because of the state requirements.

Two of the primary reasons government officials have a desire to create national ID cards for citizens in the U.S. are due to problems associated with terrorism and immigration. In this respect there are many advantages to creating a national ID card. However as with all advantages typically come some disadvantages too.

Here are a few of the pros and cons of issuing national ID cards.

• Pros

- If each citizen in the US carried a standard ID card, when requested by law enforcement, it would be easier to identify legal status or flag anyone who might be associated with a potential terrorist plot.

- Airline boarding would be more efficient and officials screening passengers could quickly verify identities.

- Potential reduction of fraudulent financial activities. An ID card can accompany any purchase and requested by the seller.

- The government and military agencies already use CAC cards which contain a computer chip and this technology makes it easier to verify, identify and give access. Citizens carrying a similar ID card would have an easier time making a positive identification of themselves.

- End racial profiling because all individuals could easily show their card.

- Biometrics would make it harder to fraudulently obtain cards. Cards could not be bought off the street with a photo superimposed.

• Cons

- Privacy issues are one of the largest concerns associated with national ID cards. It isn't so much the card itself that is an apprehension, but the technology that could potentially be embedded in the cards and the sensitive information it could contain Not to mention security breaches of information.

- Concerns over how the card could evolve to be used for other purposes aside from ID. Technology is moving quickly and convenience is one of the benefits, but can also be a drawback if commercial business and other organizations begin using the ID card the way they did the social security number.

- Fear the card will take the social security card concept a step further and de-humanize people making them walking containers of data.

- Apprehension of medical records and assistance being connected to chip-embedded ID cards.

- Civil rights, control, and surveillance concerns. This includes potential government permission

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