After 9/11the US Government began to take measures to protect America and it’s citizens from terrorism. Whilst they have taken excellent measures including airport secruity, interacting with other governments’ to track and trace terrorists and upgraded most of their outdated systems, there is one invasion of privacy that was kept secret. The government began to secretly deport hundreds of immigrants from the US, particularly those from the Middle East.
A Federal Appeals Court in Cincinatti was the first court to strike against one of the governments anti-terrorism acts. Deportation hearings used to be public became closed and the White House, through the USA Patriot Act, which was brought into law in October 26th, 2001, received congressional approval for expanded spying authority.
The Court in Cincinatti ruled that the government could not keep the deportation hearings secret because, “A government operating in the shadow of secrecy stands in complete opposition to the society envisioned by the formers of our constitution,” according to Judge Damon Keith. On the other side of the coin a Federal Appeals Court in Philadelphia upheld the secret deportation hearings. This court ruled that it was “necessary to combat the ongoing terrorist threat”.
What is an invasion of privacy and what is not? If an individual does not get involved in breaking laws what is there to fear from a Government whose ultimate goal is the self-preservation of America? Our government treats all who break the law equally. It makes no difference if you are a citizen of the United States or not. If you have been caught and proven guilty of a crime then you will receive due punishment from our courts system.
Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act, on the other hand, goes to great lengths to invade an individual’s privacy. The US Government can invade your privacy through obtaining personal records, medical, academical and even email internet service providers for your information. Section 215 also makes it a crime to reveal that the FBI has seized your personal records. The worrying part is that the Government do not need to show probable cause nor any proof of criminal activity in order to obtain these records. They only have to show that it is a request for an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or intelligence activities.
The secret deportation of people from the US goes against the grain of democracy. Right or wrong, the US Government is denying basic rights to the people involved. If we are to adhere to democracy then I believe that these hearings should have been done in public and according to our laws. Due process should be afforded to any person within the US, absolute truth and clarification from our Government is what we expect and what any citizen of the US is entitled to. Terrorism can come in many forms and whether you are a citizen of the US or not, you are entitled, by our laws, to a clear and open hearing.
