Flaflyer

The problem with your argument is passengers who cannot communicate with the TDC. Every day at places like LAX or SFO there must be hundreds of departing visitors who speak no English. Probably lots of elderly who came to the US for a wedding or that once in a life trip to visit the grandkids in the US.

If, as you say, verbal communication is required as part of the process to verify an ID, then TSA must have a policy in place to have rapid access to translators for every language. If TSA cannot communicate with someone whose only language is an obscure tribal dialect from Tibet then that person can never be "verified" by your argument and will always miss their plane.

Of course all TSA rules are very US centered for English speaking Americans and far too little thought is given to accomodate foreign visiters. In other countries signs and staff are multi lingual and they try to help visitors as they appreciate the value of tourist dollars. Through arrogance and ignorance the US actively encourages foreigners to stay home.