Expert: Michael Troy - 5/7/2003

Question
What do you know about the Patriot Act which became a law in October 21, 2001? This act from the research that I have found discriminates against Islamic and other Middle Eastern citizens of the United States. I was just wondering if you had any view or insite on the Patriot Act.
Thank You for your time.
   Sincerely,
     Andrew Leinberger


Answer
Hi Andrew,

The law itself is neutral.  The criticism most frequently heard against it is that it gives the government much broader powers to investigate all sorts of potential illegal activity.  However, nothing in the law creates a different standard for people of Middle Eastern descent or who practice the Muslim faith.  

You can read the law (which was actually passed on Oct. 26, 2001) here:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:h.r.03162:

For criticisms of the Act, you might want to look at these sites:

http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Offices/Intellectual_F...

http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=12581&c=206

The real accusation of discrimination have not been over new legislation.  Rather, they have been made against the Department of Justice for its investigation of certain people whom they have no real reason to suspect of wrongdoing but who are from certain Middle Eastern countries.  Many of these people have been under surveillance, jailed without charges, and treated in ways that at least border on "cruel and unusual."  These actions, however are not the result of new legislation.  They are aggressive measures pushed to new limits based on existing laws and regulations.

I hope this helps!
- Mike