The Patroit Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mail communications, medical, financial, and other records; eases restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States; expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions; and the discretion of law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts.

The important provisions of the patriot act are:

• Title I: Enhancing domestic security against terrorism
• Title II: Enhanced surveillance procedures
• Title III: Money laundering
• Title IV: Border protection
• Titles V, VI, and VII
• Title VIII: Criminal law changes
• Title IX: Improved intelligence