1. Ruqayya Y Khan, Trinity University
U. S. Patriot Act

2. What is the USA Patriot Act?
Acronym: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001: USA Patriot Act
Passed in October, 2001, soon after September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in NYC
Signed into law by then President George W Bush, October 26, 2001
Reauthorized by Pres. Bush in 2005 (with some changes)

3. Its Major Provisions
Makes it easy for law enforcement agencies to search telephone, communications, medical, financial, and other records.
Foreign intelligence-gathering is made easier (both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens could be targeted).
Authorized the state to regulate financial transactions, particularly those involving foreign individuals and entities.
Law enforcement and immigration authorities can indefinitely detain and deport immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts.

4. Major Controversial Elements
USA PATRIOT Act allowed police agents to undertake "sneak and peek" searches (no search warrant needed for some time)
FBI could search telephone, , and financial records without a court order
Permitted the indefinite detention of any alien whom the Attorney General believed may cause a terrorist act.
SOURCE: Wikipedia, “USA Patriot Act”

5. Muslim Politicians, Canada and US
Fatima Houda-Pepin: Canadian-Moroccan, 1994, National Assembly of Quebec, Member
Keith Ellison: African-American, Minnesota, 2007, member of Congress (House of Representatives)