[Hostage]

There is the alien registration number and there is capability to assign identifiers to non-citizen travelers as part of their visa documents and their passport checks.

It is not difficult to track aliens.

It is more difficult to reverse the mindsets of LEOs who are more than happy to access all of our private matters. They enjoy the thrill in the same manner as a peeping Tom staring through someone's window or a hunter following animal tracks through the forrest. It is a game.

When tracking terrorists, the game is condoned. When spying on anyone and everyone, the game is over.

The real problem is in tracking the terrorist cells that already exist on American soil. They exist because they were not tracked from the outset. But it is not cumbersome to file a request for a wiretap on persons suspected of association with an alleged terrorist cell. Therefore the trend must be reversed.

[stimulate]

"It"s not difficult to track aliens."

Maybe not if they are here legally. In all States an SSN is required for employment and a Driver's license. No SSN,no employment. A tax I.D. can be used in some states in place of a SSN when applying for a Driver's license and that has potential tracking ability.

However, I agree with you that the SSN is over used and does lead to identity theft. I never use my SSN unless absolutely necessary.