Reply #16: the more rights you hand over to govt/law enforcement, the more

[ima_sinnic]

they can abuse their power.

I really do not want to be asked for my "papers" as though I were some kind of criminal and did not have a legitimate right to be here. The burden of proof is on the accuser, i.e., anyone who thinks I am "suspicious" or "illegitimate." Let them be the ones to dig up evidence, not me who has to "prove" that I am who I say I am and entitled to the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

I also especially do not want to hand that additional power over to law enforcement. If they have the right to stop me to verify my identity, it is absolutely certain that ultimately they will abuse that power. Corrupt/racist/bigoted/abusive cops are a reality and they can make life a living hell for those they want to mess with. Suppose one evening you very innocently accidentally forget to bring your ID, or have misplaced it, and just happen to be "checked" by someone who for no reason at all just doesn't like your looks? With the current idiotic hysteria over "profiling," this could get ugly very very fast.