True national ID system is needed

Re “Screen may snag too many workers,” May 29

The media seem more concerned with privacy than the average citizen. When traveling the world, one has to put a passport on the counter to board an airplane, check into a hotel, rent a car or do banking.

Credit reporting companies have access to banking and purchasing records covering decades. I hear no complaints about any of the foregoing. Indeed, the greatest concern that I hear expressed is about identity theft. The proposed legislation regarding immigration reform requires an employment eligibility verification system.

The problem is that this system would be a half measure that would not stop illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants would continue to come to the U.S. to work in the underground economy.

We need a true national ID system. By restricting services to the undocumented, we would force them to the surface or to leave (or to not come).

JACK GORDON

Newhall