Identity Theft Protection in Puerto Rico: Government Takes Action to Secure Birth Certificates
The Puerto Rican government has taken a significant step to combat identity theft by announcing that all birth certificates issued before July 1 will no longer be valid after September 30. This move aims to make it more difficult for identity thieves to use stolen documents to obtain false identification.
Background and Impact of Identity Theft
According to reports, over 40 percent of all passport fraud cases in the United States start with a stolen Puerto Rican birth certificate. Identity thieves have targeted Puerto Ricans because their names provide the perfect cover for Hispanic illegal immigrants entering the country and are worth as much as $6,000 on the black market.
- The documents are so valuable that drug addicts trade them for a fix.
- A Puerto Rico-based FBI agent worries they could be used by terrorists.
- The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that Puerto Rico does not have a culture of document protection, leaving birth certificates easy targets for theft.
New Security-Enhanced Birth Certificates
To combat this issue, the government will begin issuing security-enhanced birth certificates starting Thursday. Over five million Puerto Ricans, including 1.4 million living in the continental United States, must apply for the new documents by September 30.
- The move does not eliminate fraudulent passports and drivers’ licenses already in circulation, but aims to make it harder to obtain false documents in the future.
- Those holding stolen birth certificates can still apply for a new one, but will need to provide additional personal data they may not have.
Consequences of Identity Theft
The identity theft epidemic has had serious consequences, including almost resulting in the arrest of Puerto Rico native Jose Marrero Rivera. He discovered his identity was stolen when police came to his food stand at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to arrest him for a car theft.
Government and Military Requirements
- The U.S. Defense Department will require new Puerto Rican service members to have the new certified birth certificate to enroll for military benefits.
- Current service members are encouraged but not required to obtain a new birth certificate.
Challenges and Next Steps
Experts warn that the government’s lack of plan to alert Puerto Ricans inside the United States to the need for new birth certificates may lead to further complications. Angelo Falcon, president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, said it was like “we didn’t exist.”
Despite these challenges, the government is urging citizens to take action and apply for their new birth certificates as soon as possible.
- The PRFAA website advises that only those who need their birth certificate for official purposes should rush out to get a new one immediately.
Collaboration with U.S. Department of Homeland Security
In related news, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will be working closely with Puerto Rican authorities to combat identity theft and prevent fraudulent documents from being used to enter the country.