[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

I thought employers were already required to check SSNs.

The problem is the Catch-22 situation regarding SS numbers.

[oceanview]

let's face it, all of these fears of a national ID card aside - we need a new social security card for all americans. the current social security card is ridiculous, a simple number printed on a white and blue piece of paper, is the basis for all employment, wages, taxation, banking, etc. its crazy, we need a more secure card with a biometric.

[lsjogren]

"I thought employers were already required to check SSNs."


No, not at all. The program is completely voluntary.


And even establishing the volutary system was fought against tooth and nail by most of the Democrats in Congress as well as some Ted Kennedy Republicans.

[zerosix]

There is no "Catch-22" problem. SS officials, have names and birth dates on each and every number. It also lists the place of birth and mother's maiden name along with the name of the father.

Twenty year old Mexicans would have a very hard time fooling anyone remotely interested in whether or not they are using fraudulent SS cards. If they show 000-00-0000 and it was issued to John Doe in 1945, born in Des Moines, while the guy at the desk is a 19 year old Mexican - bingo, he is not the legitimate card holder and therefore is probably illegal. No Problemo.