Well, I'm from Colombia, and everyone upon their 18th birthday is expected (not required, though) to get a "Cédula de Ciudadanía" (Citizen's ID Card) for all identification purposes...
In the almost year and a half that went between my 18th birthday and my coming to the US, and the 2 weeks I spent on vacation there in January, I was never pulled away by guys in dark suits with sunglasses or had any rights inflicted.
Don't worry, my friend. You and me will live to see the day the Social Security card will become a photo ID. If it's gonna keep me safe (provided unreasonable intrusions can be fought), so be it.
Hmmm...
Seems like I once heard something somebody said about "a little liberty for a little security"... or something.
But maybe I just imagined it...