Domestic terrorism refers to acts of violence or dangerous activities that occur primarily within the United States, are carried out by U.S. persons without foreign direction, and are intended to coerce civilian populations or influence government policy through intimidation. The USA PATRIOT Act defined domestic terrorism as activities that involve acts dangerous to human life that violate criminal laws of the United States or any state, appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policy through coercion, and occur primarily within U.S. territorial jurisdiction. Unlike foreign terrorist organizations, domestic groups cannot currently be officially "designated" as terrorist organizations under U.S. law, which limits the financial sanctions and surveillance tools the government can use. The question of who qualifies as a domestic terrorist — and who makes that determination — is an ongoing civil liberties and First Amendment debate.