Ins The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on a bill to eliminate the use of "secret evidence" against immigrants. The 1996 anti-terrorism act gives the government the authority to arrest and deport non-citizens using evidence that is not revealed to the defendant. Congressional critics say the policy violates the most fundamental due process protections of the Constitution. They argue that no-one can effectively defend against unknown charges. The FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service say they need to keep evidence secret in some cases to protect national security. They say secret evidence is involved in eleven out of 300-thousand pending INS cases.

All Things Considered

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May 23, 200012:00 AM ET

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The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on a bill to eliminate the use of "secret evidence" against immigrants. The 1996 anti-terrorism act gives the government the authority to arrest and deport non-citizens using evidence that is not revealed to the defendant. Congressional critics say the policy violates the most fundamental due process protections of the Constitution. They argue that no-one can effectively defend against unknown charges. The FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service say they need to keep evidence secret in some cases to protect national security. They say secret evidence is involved in eleven out of 300-thousand pending INS cases.