because it’s an important document that you must keep in safe keeping? it does not expire like a passport, and it the premiere document to validate your identity (even though it was specifically designed to not do that)

it’s one of three documents demanded of you to verify your identity for job applications, getting back on voter rolls when you are suspiciously removed or proving citizenship when ice arrests you under suspicion of being too brown, getting a drivers license, getting a passport, and replacing it is expensive, time consuming, and difficult to prove if you need it. the real question is what justifies NOT laminating it?

Exactly. My card is in near mint condition despite having it for 30+ years because I've had to physically pull it out maybe 3-4 times total in my life. Same goes for the birth certificate. A driver's license is usually enough identity for jobs and whatnot in my experience. White privilege, I guess (which is ironic, because I'm more Mexican and Native American than white, but my skin is light so I get a pass).