Muslims, ACLU object to intelligence overhaul bill

(RNS) Muslim, civil liberties and human rights organizations are voicing opposition to legislation they believe expands the Patriot Act and denies civil liberties to immigrants.

"The 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act," which passed the House in a 282-134 vote Oct. 8, details a plan to reorganize the U.S. intelligence community in light of the recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations urged its members to contact their representatives in Congress to oppose provisions in the legislation that relate to immigration, saying it "is viewed by CAIR as an expansion of the Patriot Act."

Specifically, the group objects to provisions of the bill that would allow for immigrants to be deported without any judicial review.

The American Civil Liberties Union also opposes what it refers to as "mean-spirited measures" in the legislation.