Responses to Other Students: Respond to at least 2 of your fellow classmates with at least a 100-word reply about their Primary Task Response regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening.

Student 1 :

The United States Congress established the Homeland Security Act in 2002.  This act was established to reduce the vulnerability that the United States has on terrorism. It provides Homeland Security with the authority to control all the investigations (AHIMA, 2018). The Homeland Security Act had established the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Homeland Security Act is to minimize damage and to assist in recovery from the attacks that occur in the U.S. This includes other organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Coast Guard, US Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (AHIMA, 2018).

The USA Patriot Acts title is a law that was passed on September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attacks on the United States. Their goal is to strengthen and broadens the power of law enforcement and other agencies to stop terrorist’s attacks (Grabianowski, 2018).  Supporters claim that this act is controversial and feel it gives the government too much power.  This act is to unite and strengthen the United States by providing the tools that are required to Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Grabianowski, 2018).

The Patriot Act splits into 10 parts which include:

Title I

This part refers to the protection of civil liberties.  It authorizes federal money in order to accomplish the provisions of the act.  It authorizes the Secret Service to create an electronic task force.  This part gives the authorization to the President to take any property of foreign individuals who are involved in terrorist attacks.

Title II

This part widens the ability of law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance.  It allows them to conduct surveillance.  It allows them to intercept any communication on terrorist activities (Grabianowski, 2018).  It allows law enforcement to share with the federal authorities all the information of the terrorist activities. This title authorizes roaming surveillance which means that a court order allows law enforcement to use any means to prevent individual communications no matter where they go (Grabianowski, 2018).  In order to allow proceeding with wiretap law enforcement must provide a court order.  The court order must specify one location.  This allows the government to order information from the individuals’ provider of communication services (Grabianowski, 2018).   Law enforcement is able to search emails, financial and telephone and other records. It allows the Secretary of Treasury to regulate financial transactions (Luna Tech Web, 2009).

To compare and contrast the Homeland Security Act and the aU.S. Patriot Act has similarities.  They both are similar to the point of protecting the United States from terrorist attacks. The DHS protects the U. S. physically through minimizing damage and with recovery. The U.S. Patriot Act protects the U.S. with surveillance and communications.

Student 2:

Homeland Security Act came into effect during the wake of 9/11.  That day told us all that we are not as safe as we thought.  Legislators knew they had to put something in place quick to keep us all safe. When DHS was put in place congress advised a review of its progress must be submitted every four years allowing them to keep track to see what areas need more work.  There are some reorganization that have taken place that needs to be revamped to better assist individual needs. The immigration reorg has not been very beneficial for our borders. “ Among the key points of concerns related to this massive reorganization are: the unified immigration policy structure; the uncoordinated legal advice between various agencies; the needless creation of the Ombudsman Office; the respective authorities of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security; and the extensive powers over immigration matters vested to the Attorney General.” (MPI, 2003)  A lot of congress has suggested that the immigration laws be rewritten and put in place to keep everyone safe, integrity, and making sure that everything is properly done with no discrimination against anyone regardless of whom they are or where they are from.

Transportation Security Act was put in place to make sure travelers were safe and to be able to recognize territory.  It was incorporated for the airports due to the 9/11 event that took so many lives.  They had upgraded security scanners put in place to check for handguns, bombs and anything else that is a threat to anyone’s life. They enhanced their security system along with being aware of subconscious behavior. Enhancing the security helps make travelers feel safe regardless of how much security levels they must pass through to get other cities, states and countries.  The security system and the individuals who enforce the safety have not always kept us safe.  Some passengers have gotten through the gates at one airport transporting drugs; however were caught at other airport.  Each failure prompts for additional training hoping to make it harder for terrorists to come through the security checkpoints. Another issue with this act some people are subject to be discriminated against because of the color of their skin or their nationality. Security should always make sure everyone is treated equal and not discriminated against making them go through a more extensive check.  I’m not saying I do not agree with extensive checkpoints but if there is any discrimination because who some is the system will fail.