Citizenship, Immigration, and Identity Verification (CIT)
Identity Verification
Understand government-issued ID types (driver's license, passport, state ID, permanent resident card), security features (holograms, microprint, UV elements), and document examination basics: check photo match, expiration, tampering, and consistency of data. Know primary vs. secondary identification and when two forms are required.
Immigration Awareness
Recognize that immigration status determination is a legal function, not a guard's role. Guards verify identity and access authorization per policy; they do not adjudicate citizenship or detain based on perceived status. Know employment authorization documents at a high level and the difference between citizenship, nationality, and residency concepts.
Traps
- Profiling based on appearance or accent - a legal and ethical violation.
- Assuming a foreign passport implies unlawful presence.
- Accepting expired or photocopied documents without policy backup.
- Confusing identity verification with immigration enforcement.
Rule of Thumb
Verify the document, not the person's story. Follow policy; escalate ambiguity; never make status judgments.
Worked Example
A visitor presents an expired passport. Correct action: politely note the expiration, request an alternate valid ID per policy, document the interaction, and escalate if access cannot be verified - without commentary on nationality or status.