I do not believe you understood my question.
How is it a step backwards to ask people for identification. This happens to everyone constantly. To single out a segment of society and exempt them from this process is itself discriminatory.
No one is asking people to prove that they are an American, but that are legally in the country. We assume this of citizens and require it by law for non-citizens.
Why is it bad to ask people to comply with the law?

Completely outside the purview of the original question how is it bad to enforce immigration law?

Quote Originally Posted by Lion View Post
Asking anyone for papers to prove they are American just seems like a huge step backwards. I doubt that whites will be affected by this at all compared to ethnic minorities. Do I think a cop is going to ask for a John Smith to prove he's American? I doubt it. I think he'll be more inclined to ask a Jose Hernandez though.