USA Patriot Act 2001



Abstract

This study highlights various important aspects of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (H.R. 3162), for the control and prevention of terrorist activities in United States. This study also discusses various advantages and disadvantages of this act on the American Statutory Authority. There are also details about the tools and measures for the prevention of terrorism in the state. This study also highlights that there are problems associated with the implication of this Act. It is considered as a threat for the Citizen's privacy rights.

USA Patriot Act 2001

Introduction

USA Patriot Act of 2001 (H.R. 3162) was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush on October 26, 2001. This act was passed as the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It deals with uniting and strengthening of America through appropriate tools that are required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Sharma & Atri, 2011; Medina & Hepner, 2013). This act provides relaxation to the information sharing between US law and intelligence department for the terrorists. It allows expansions to the law enforcement agencies to wiretap phone records, check e-mail records, increase in Border Patrol, Customs Service Inspectors and Immigration and Naturalization Service inspector, also provide $100 million for improvement in the technology, and it also allows federal government for detention of suspected non-US citizens for terrorism without any charge (cnn.com). This act further expands power of authorities for detaining and deporting immigrants, and expands authority of Secretary of the Treasury's for regulation of financial transactions.

Thesis Statement

Patriot Act of 2001 has advantages and disadvantages as a permanent change to American Statutory Authority and implications for Citizens' Privacy Rights in the United States

Discussion

Patriot Act of 2001

This deals with a number of various positive and negative aspects associated with domestic security, surveillance, money laundering, and protection of border. In order to increase the protection of border, section 402 increase or “tripling of the number of Border Patrol personnel, Customs personnel, and immigration inspectors along the Northern Border and an additional $50 million each for Customs and INS to improve monitoring technology along the Northern Border” (Jenks, 2001). This act also enhances immigration provision to control the terrorism. There are special provisions and strict regulations for the non US citizens and immigrants under section 411. There are also provisions for the enhancement of technology resources and authorities of the law enforcement agencies to control terrorist activities. Section 504 deals with the investigation, surveillance and physical searches against terrorism.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Authorizing the USA Patriot Act of 2001

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of USA Patriot Act of 2001, one of the most significant aspects of this Act is that it ensures to control terrorism and guarantees better protection for the life and liberty (www.justice.gov). This Act is not only beneficial for the control of terrorism, but also controls drugs trafficking and other national and international crimes with strict monitoring and checking rules, electronic surveillance, and with the help of a number of ...