Janice’s Journal: Say “No” to the Scarlet Letter

The federal government has done it again. They have issued not one, but two, press releases that reveal both the proposed language and the placement of a “unique identifier” on the passports of some registrants. How many registrants? Although the exact number is unknown, it is estimated to include hundreds of thousands of American citizens.

That bears repeating. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will be issued a Scarlet letter by the federal government. A mark that will limit if, and where, they can travel both overseas and domestically.

On what planet and in what country does this make sense? Certainly not in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Americans are travelers. Our country was, in fact, founded by travelers who first explored and then lived in an unknown land. Our country later grew because travelers chose to explore beyond the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.

The reason given for the addition of a “unique identifier” to the passports of some registrants is to protect children in other countries from Americans who engage in sex trafficking and sex tourism. That is a worthy goal. The problem, however, is that “unique identifiers” won’t protect children in other countries because virtually all of those who passports will be marked with a Scarlet letter do not pose that or any danger to children.

Instead, the “unique identifiers” will harm hundreds of thousands of American children who will be unable to travel with their fathers. These American children will be denied the right to visit with their fathers the home of their ancestors as well as to see cultural icons such as the Aztec ruins in Mexico and the natural beauty of the Amazon River. These American children will also be denied the right to visit family members and friends as well as cultural icons and natural beauty in nine states — Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington –that have failed to comply with the federal REAL ID Act and therefore will require travelers to provide their passports.

We are Americans! We demand the right to travel both internationally and domestically.

We will not allow the federal government to further punish and stigmatize hundreds of thousands of Americans by the addition of a Scarlet letter to their passports. Therefore, we will challenge the addition of “unique identifiers” to the passports of any and all registrants both inside and outside federal courts.

The next legal challenge to “unique identifiers” is forming on the horizon. We are bringing together for the first time legal scholars and experienced litigators in order to identify a path to success inside the courtroom. We are also bringing together for the first time advocates and civil rights leaders to identify a path to success outside the courtroom.

In order to succeed in our challenges to “unique identifiers”, we need YOU! We need YOU to show up at future meetings, to stand up at future protests and to speak up when your civil rights are being violated. Together, we can say “no” to the Scarlet letter of passport identifiers!

 

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Representative Chris Smith, (Dennis Hastert Jr)passed this as fast as he could with no discussion. He would not even consider the facts that surrounded him. He is a political bufoon trying to score points instead of doing what is right. He wanted his sorry face on it. This is an absolutely abhorrent law and will hurt innocent people and families ALL ACROSS THE BOARD and will protect no one but your slimey face will be on it!!! Well let’s beat IML as unconstitutional and leave his hateful ugly face ON IT FOREVER!!!

Well, I’m just glad you guys got that off your chest. I think if you guys want to focus your anger or control issues on me, that’s fine if it will help in any way. Just don’t act out. I think that focusing upon getting this law is a wonderful idea, but I think we also need to look at the bigger picture. Many registered citizens are banned from traveling altogether. We need to think clearly, stop your controlling behavior and realize you can’t always be right! So, rather than focus on the negativity and lashing out with negativity and extreme hostility, what can be done? (Calm Down)!

Thank you Registry! I truly appreciate the kind comments. I want you to know how much I appreciate your concern. My priority here to to provide helpful dialogue and refrain from responding to angry and hateful comments or attacks. I think it should be important to know that I care and my number 1 fear these new laws will cause someone to act out. I wasn’t convicted of a child related offense and I can only imagine how you must all feel with the impending tier system, high Static 99 scores many of you have and now this Passport Law! It must be overwhelming. As noted, keep a clear mind, remain positive and make rational decisions! Best of luck.

I’m going to refrain from going on this site. I have no friends, no one likes me and you all seem to gang up on me or attack me when I make both an honest and accurate/truthful comment. I’m not worthy. Just because you have more convictions (mine was exlunged), score higher on the Static 99 and are on a higher Tier doesn’t make you better then me? I’m embarrassed by this! I wish you all the luck. Best of luck on the passport agenda. I recently came across a possibly proposal to alter the CDL of those with tier 3 offenses. Good luck!

Janice, I strongly recommend that your staff attack this in court by claiming de jure segregation. Segregation by law, or de jure segregation, occurs when local, state, or federal law requires racial separation, or where the law explicitly allows segregation. De jure segregation is mandated by law, enacted by statute, enforced by the police. De jure segregation has been prohibited in the United States since the mid-1960s. In order to find unconstitutional segregation, we are required to “prove all of the essential elements of de jure segregation”–that is, stated simply, a current condition of segregation resulting from intentional state action directed specifically to the [allegedly segregated] individuals. Segregation today in the United States has led directly to the development of a second-class citizen (how many sex offenders live under bridges in Florida), cutting off and excluding opportunities one needs to lift oneself out of crime and take advantage of the benefits of society. The denied access to the economic and educational benefits enjoyed by every citizen, robs those persons of their civil rights.

Well, I think everyone has great comments. I do know that something shows when your passport is scanned here in the US. I’ve been stopped and questioned when re entering the US! They can see what your conviction/history is. (They last official could see the date of the conviction and expungement). So, I think altering your Pasdport will simply create more issues! I suggest those who get this registration process removed in 2021 or sooner should contact DHS and inquire! I would also carry some form of paperwork showing this as well. Good luck

There is something in the system. When I went to Korea in 2015 and came back through the UAE they have US DHS before you even get on the plane and they asked me about my registration in NY after being held in secondary for 2 hours. Asked me what I was doing in Korea which it was pretty obvious I was visiting family after he looked at my face. Asked how long I was locked up. Told him (8 months) and he just shook his head and said “that sucks man”. And let me go on my way.

Just curious, does anyone know the likelihood of an issue when traveling to Europe? More specifically the Schengen countries? I’ve wanted to move abroad well before my troubles but I may curious about the possibilities now. Any insight would be appreciated,

Thanks!

After reading Janice’s article, I went to registranttag.org to review the current Travel Matrix they post online. There are 29 countries listed that turn SO away. Of those 29, only 15 actually have a SO Registry. And only a total of 11 have laws in place barring SO.

So… my question is… Since our great nation is so eager to protect the interests of other countries and territories, what does the United States get in return? How many of these countries are reciprocating? Are they providing the United States with similar information and warnings about their citizens? Again… What is the United States getting out if IML?

Has anyone pursued the “why” of the Unites States participation, and what is the justification IMF and the result expected to be?

Just seems as though the result does not justify the expense or the means; especially, if registranttag.org is at least somewhat accurate in its Travel Matrix information.

This can be won against that id and really puts the listing ‘registry’ in check…gonna be checkmate.
Woooooooo.!!!!!