If I am required to produce identification to police then why are illegal aliens not required to do the same?

Question

I've read that it is out of police jurisdiction to arrest illegal aliens unless they are caught in a crime (which escapes my reasoning as my understanding is that being here in the first place is a criminal act) then how does one put jurisdiction within reach of local law enforcement? If I am required to produce identification, proof of insurance and vehicle registration (say, in a traffic collision) then why are illegal aliens not required to produce papers?

David: not so. They are given a citation, not arrested. Not detained.

Jason: I know. In California, if you do not produce proof of insurance you are given a ticket for $1,000.00 I had the same problem, in that the woman did not speak English which made it appear like she got away. I learned later that she was given a ticket however I was also told that there is a very likely possibility that ticket will be ignored. I was told I could take her to court but often illegal aliens don't appear in court.

I carry my social security card and CDL as one is supposed to . . . when did that change?

My driver's license is directly linked to a database that shows I am a citizen. An id card for legal immigrants should be a requirement just as much as mine is.

Barry: you do bring up some interesting points but I'll stand by the fact that if I have heard them talking about their status or concern of deportation, (and i am half deaf!) then certainly someone else can, including law enforcement officers who, in California, routinely speak the native language. It does seem to be up to the officers discretion.

David: by your own words, if "illegal" isn't a "race" how can it be called racism?

David: I'm not indicating that because of race. This was my personal experience. I'm not sure where you got that from.

Perhaps I did not describe my experience well enough. She indicated to others in the area her concern about deportation.

Answer 1

GOOD POINT. That makes no sense at all. All people in America need to be treated in a fair and consistent manner by the police. If I need to produce identification, then they should too. If I need to pay taxes using a valid social security or tax ID number, they should too. If I am required to have insurance on my car, and pay personal property tax, and have documentation that my car meets emissions standards, then they should too.

Answer 2

Regardless of the jurisdiction question, how would a police office determine a person was an illegal alien? The police need to have a compelling reason to initiate a stop. Simply because someone "looks" like an illegal alien won't do as there is no "look" that is specific to illegal aliens. Stopping all Hispanics would be racial profiling and will get a case thrown out of court.

"then why are illegal aliens not required to produce papers?" - There is very little truth to your statement. There is no exemption for illegal aliens. If they are involved in an accident and have none of those they will likely be arrested. (driving without a license, if no registration may be auto theft, etc)

It's a pretty racist leap to assume that just because she did not speak English she was an illegal alien. As others have pointed out, what do you have in your pocket right now that proves citizenship? I expect nothing. The social security administration suggest that you NOT carry your SS card with you.

"David: by your own words, if "illegal" isn't a "race" how can it be called racism?" - Because by your words you are indicating she is illegal simply based on her race. That is racist. It's that simple.

Answer 3

You are mixing up apples and oranges and even a few pears and grapes.

First, please get past the close mindedness you express in the parenthetical phrase. when your mind is open, then logic won't escape you.

Any identification you carry around with you and would produce when asked (whether you are required to or not is a different question) does not show your citizenship, right? Do you routinely carry your passport?

If you are stopped for a driving incident, and are asked for a driver's license, insurance, and registration, so will anyone else.

What the officer does if the driver doesn't produce it is either covered under law or left to his discretion, but neither will kick in if the papers are not asked for, right?

Otherwise you are suggesting that any officers can tell an illegal alien on sight, and without error only asked the citizens for the papers that are needed.

I am sure you see how that last bit is preposterous.

Answer 4

I dont get it either.
I have a coworker who was hit by a van full of illegals. the police after the illegals could not produce id and had problems communicating that the van belonged to an employer let them walk away. saying they couldnt do anything about it. This is in Cincinnati Ohio.
If I dont show proof of insurance God help me.

Answer 5

They are required to produce documentation . . . if they do not have it they will and can be charged. What the police can not do is pull someone over on racial profiling alone . . . they can not pull someone over because they look "illegal." In addition, most police departments can not report illegals to immigration or authorize deportment. It's a fine line.

Answer 6

They can request, but not require. They cannot even require you to in a traffic stop unless they divulge why they pulled you over. I had an officer about 10 years ago pull me over, and I was doing nothing wrong. He asked for my DL, REG and INS. I asked him why he pulled me over. He said he would tell after I gave my docs. I said, "No, officer, you will tell me now or you have no authority to ask for my docs." He was obviously pissed, so he said...."Okay, you were speeding" I said, "You are going to have to show me the radar on that one officer, as I had not even reached the speed limit when your lights came on." He again said, "Okay, I will show you after." I was frustrated by this time and I said. "Officer, unless you can provide me with evidence that you found me speeding, you are detaining me without cause. You have no authority to do that and no cause to ask for my docs. So, look at it this way. We either go to your car right now and look at your radar, or I will drive away. If I do drive away and you try to detain me again, I will charge you will harassment and unlawful detainment." He was furious...he said, "You will either produce your docs right now or I will arrest you for obstruction." I simply smiled and said, "Have a nice day officer, watch your toes." Then I drove away. He did not pursue me. They do not need a cause to ask...but they do need a cause to require. ADDED: Bruce might be right about some states not requiring them to tell you, but the Constitution supersedes any law that would violate it, so those state/local laws would be easy to defeat in court if you wanted to go that far.

Answer 7

I take people to jail all the time for not having a valid license. Illegal or not. I don't care, don't have a license, you go to jail.

Answer 8

Because we are second class citizens forced to fund our own invasion.

Answer 9

You are not required to produce id. All you are supose to give the police is your name, address ,bod, and i think place of birth (Maybe your job too!)

Answer 10

the term is "Supercitizens"..no Id,no drivers license,no insurance etc are required of these supercitizens..they do what they want anytime they want..get used to it..they are here for us to keep forever