This is the first and only comprehensive, book-length political history of national ID card proposals and developments in identity policing in the United States. The book focuses on the period from 1915 to 2016, including the post-9/11 debates and policy decisions regarding the introduction of technologically-advanced identification documents. Putting the United States in comparative perspective and connecting the vital issues of immigration and homeland security, Magdalena Krajewska shows how national ID card proposals have been woven into political conflict across a variety of policy fields. Findings contradict conventional wisdom, debunking two common myths: that Americans are opposed to national ID cards and that American policymakers never propose national ID cards. Dr Krajewska draws on extensive archival research; high-level interviews with politicians, policymakers, and ID card technology experts in Washington, DC and London; and public opinion polls.

‘This is without question the most thorough and comprehensive study of identification documents in American life ever to have been executed. It is likely to remain the standard study for a long time to come.'

John Torpey - The Graduate Center, City University of New York

‘Krajewska offers a comprehensive account of the history of identification documents in the modern United States, showing not only how Americans have argued about identification documents, but also how such documents have been used to police citizens and immigrants alike. In a historical moment of mounting anti-immigrant sentiment, this book is essential reading.'

Kunal Parker - author of Making Foreigners