In the last three months, we’ve witnessed a contentious debate over border protection and illegal immigration. In December, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4437, an anti-immigrant measure that has evoked unparalleled scrutiny and visceral responses. Laura Cavanaugh examines what the bill proposes and talks to supporters on both sides of the fence. (more…)
The ongoing controversy over the warrantless surveillance of Americans by the National Security Agency shows no signs of letting up.
Eric Berkowitz provides some background on the legal questions involved. (more…)
The case of al-Qaida suspect Jose Padilla raises questions about whether a U.S. citizen detained on American soil can be held without trial in the name of the war on terrorism. For 3-1/2 years, Padilla was jailed as an “enemy combatant” under military custody, which denied him the right to legal counsel and a trial. Although he is in the civilian court system now, the Supreme Court has expressed no interest in addressing the constitutionality of a president’s wartime power to declare someone like Padilla an “enemy combatant.” (more…)
Ethnic profiling is a dark part of American history that we as citizens, would like to forget. But since 9/11, we are witnessing a resurgence of racial profiling against the Arab and Muslim communities.
Read the article by Christina Wu. (more…)
