article_snippet.sent: The changes partially lift a veil of secrecy enshrouding a policy that has been a centerpiece of the government's counterterrorism efforts since the September 2001 terror attacks.
article_snippet.sent: For instance, in a letter to New Jersey resident Amir Meshal, the government's explanation for his inclusion on the list was based on information the FBI obtained from Meshal when Meshal was detained in Africa in 2007, the ACLU attorney Hina Shamsi said.
article_snippet.sent: the ACLU the ACLU considers Meshal's detention to be unlawful and said Meshal suffered abuse. '
article_snippet.sent: From the face of the letter, a neutral decision-maker would have no idea whatsoever that any of that occurred,' said ACLU attorney Hina Shamsi.
article_snippet.sent: The Justice Department declined to comment on the specific constitutionality challenges because of the ongoing lawsuit.
article_snippet.sent: The Justice Department spokeswoman Nicole Navas said, 'We are committed to a process that protects Americans from terrorist threats while respecting privacy and safeguarding civil liberties.'
article_snippet.sent: One of the explanations included just a 'single cryptic sentence about alleged travel to a foreign country,' according a court document filed earlier this year.
article_snippet.sent: so Shamsi're challenging the government in court again,' Shamsi said.