An article in the Washington Times begins: "Civil libertarians in Northern Virginia are decrying a study conducted by Fairfax County officials that asserts that the USA Patriot Act has only positive effects on the county."

According to someone working with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the neglected negative effects include discrimination and even violence committed against Arab-Americans. She continues, the USA Patriot Act "has led to racial profiling, job discrimination, the use of racial slurs and attacks on Muslims in Fairfax County [Virginia]."

The study's findings are of particular concern given that reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act is being considered. The USA Patriot Act, which was passed after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 to provide law enforcement with greater authority to identify terrorists and conduct counter-terrorism activities, continues to generate substantial controversy with civil libertarians and members of certain minority groups, including Arab-Americans. (Text of the USA Patriot Act).