[this-dang-guy]

I'd argue "A citizen should _never_ have to register with the government" should really be the entire statement.

Things like aid and whatnot should really be isolated and broken off to prevent mass collection dbs.

[xupybd]

Doesn't every birth have to be registered with the government?

[zo1]

"select * from individual where religion = 'muslim'"

You would think it's that easy as the "government knows all". But from working on government databases and systems, it's hardly the case. Disparate systems, competing departments, endless workshops that hold up progress, political spats, etc. And this isn't even in a country like the US that has separate states!

[this-dang-guy]

For "social security" benefits. Yes. And look how that's turned out. It's deemed proof of citizenship (and a vital document) despite being just a poor quality piece of paper.

The data is misused in just about every way. From colleges using it as a student id number to people committing crimes with it.

[jdmichal]

If someone is using a SSN as proof of citizenship, they are blatantly wrong. SSNs can and are issued to aliens.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

USCIS lists as common proofs of citizenship: US birth certificate, US passport, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/A4...

[maxerickson]

I imagine they are thinking of it being a list C document:

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents

(an unrestricted SSN is proof of eligibility to work in the US)

[this-dang-guy]

Yes, and no less than 3 of my former jobs required a photocopy of the card itself. You can argue legal requirements, or you can shut up and be paid.

Sometimes it's better to be paid than right. (Especially on your first few jobs)

[woofyman]

Not even for voting?

[dagw]

You don't have to vote.