[Coda]

It's more likely that they simply want to get to know you before the interview, perhaps even to be able to identify you when you show up, and that the request is completely innocuous and well-meant. But they can't make hiring decisions based on that information -- AND they can't choose not to hire you just because you exercised your rights.

Unfortunately, that last bit is really hard to work with, because if they turn you down and you challenge them over it, they're not likely to want to work with you after you've raised a stink.