We already have a uniform national ID, and I have one. It is a United States Passport. Curiously, it does not contain my Social Security number, or a Service Identification number. Most states have similar (yet not identical) requirements to obtain a drivers license or a State issued photo identification. Having traveled internationally, I also have an international driving permit/license. Something that very few Americans realize is that the souvenir hospital "birth certificate" is NOT valid for a passport (or drivers license in most cases). It must be a Bureau of Vital Statistics certified copy. And it is not wise (or practical) to carry a birth certificate with you at all times. I believe that the requirements to have a valid passport to travel to Canada or Mexico in 2007-2008 will help document illegal migration and illegal immigration. I will never allow a National ID. Because they will tie it to the "Brady" laws and perform a national registration.
This requirement will likely depress American-Canadian tourism. A Canadian wanting to go to Florida or Texas for a week will probably not bother, nor will an American wanting to visit Vancouver or the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. I would guess that less than 20% of Americans own a passport, and given the cost and hassle, I doubt many casual travelers will bother to do so to visit Canada, Mexico, etc. I must wonder if the travel industry will not put pressure on Congress to repeal the new passport regulations.