National park staff are asking about citizenship status. Here's why

"If you're planning to visit one of the 11 most popular national parks in the U.S. - two of which are in California - staff might ask a question that could be disquieting: Are you an American citizen? A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said that the question is being posed only to confirm whether the visitor will have to pay a nonresident fee - which is hefty."

"When you present your pass, or if you purchase one at a park entrance, staff must ask for your identification and determine your citizenship status. According to an internal National Park Service directive obtained by the Washington Post, staffers are instructed to ask visiting groups, "How many people visiting are not U.S. citizens or residents?" The document also stated that "the fee collector does not need to check the identification of every visitor.""

Eleven top national parks, including two in California, will verify visitors' citizenship or residency to determine whether to apply higher nonresident fees. The Trump administration announced an "America-first" entry fee policy beginning Jan. 1 that keeps lower pricing for U.S. residents while charging nonresidents more to support park care and maintenance. Staff must ask for identification when presenting or buying an annual pass to confirm eligibility. An internal National Park Service directive instructs staff to ask groups how many visitors are not U.S. citizens or residents and notes that collectors do not need to check every visitor's ID. Officials say checks are limited to fee eligibility verification.

Read at Los Angeles Times