CHAPTER 23—PROTECTION OF CITIZENS ABROAD

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL

        

SUBCHAPTER II—HOSTAGE RECOVERY AND HOSTAGE-TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL

§1731. Protection to naturalized citizens abroad

All naturalized citizens of the United States while in foreign countries are entitled to and shall receive from this Government the same protection of persons and property which is accorded to native-born citizens.

(R.S. §2000.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2000 derived from Act July 27, 1868, ch. 249, §2, 15 Stat. 224.

Section was formerly classified to section 903a of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Equitable Treatment by United States of Its Citizens Living Abroad

Pub. L. 95–426, title VI, §611, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 989, as amended by Pub. L. 96–60, title IV, §407, Aug. 15, 1979, 93 Stat. 405; Pub. L. 97–241, title V, §505(a)(2), (b)(1), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 299, provided that: "The Congress finds that—

"(1) United States citizens living abroad should be provided fair and equitable treatment by the United States Government with regard to taxation, citizenship of progeny, veterans' benefits, voting rights, Social Security benefits, and other obligations, rights, and benefits; and

"(2) United States statutes and regulations should be designed so as not to create competitive disadvantage for individual American citizens living abroad or working in international markets."

§1732. Release of citizens imprisoned by foreign governments

Whenever it is made known to the President that any citizen of the United States has been unjustly deprived of his liberty by or under the authority of any foreign government, it shall be the duty of the President forthwith to demand of that government the reasons of such imprisonment; and if it appears to be wrongful and in violation of the rights of American citizenship, the President shall forthwith demand the release of such citizen, and if the release so demanded is unreasonably delayed or refused, the President shall use such means, not amounting to acts of war and not otherwise prohibited by law, as he may think necessary and proper to obtain or effectuate the release; and all the facts and proceedings relative thereto shall as soon as practicable be communicated by the President to Congress.

(R.S. §2001; Pub. L. 101–222, §9, Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1900.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2001 derived from act July 27, 1868, ch. 249, §3, 15 Stat. 224.

Section was formerly classified to section 903b of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

Amendments

1989—Pub. L. 101–222 inserted "and not otherwise prohibited by law" after "acts of war".

Executive Documents

Release of American Hostages in Iran

For Executive Order provisions relating to the release of the American hostages in Iran, see Ex. Ord. Nos. 12276 to 12285, Jan. 19, 1981, 46 F.R. 7913 to 7932, listed in a table under section 1701 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

§1733. Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator

(a) Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator

(1) In general

Not later than 60 days after November 25, 2015, the President shall designate an existing Federal official to coordinate efforts to secure the release of United States persons who are hostages held abroad. For purposes of carrying out the duties described in paragraph (2), such official shall have the title of "Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator".

(2) Duties

The Coordinator shall have the following duties:

(A) Coordinate activities of the Federal Government relating to each hostage situation described in paragraph (1) to ensure efforts to secure the release of hostages are properly resourced and correct lines of authority are established and maintained.

(B) Chair a fusion cell consisting of appropriate personnel of the Federal Government with purview over each hostage situation described in paragraph (1).

(C) Ensure sufficient representation of each Federal agency and department at each fusion cell established under subparagraph (B) and issue procedures for adjudication and appeal.

(D) Develop processes and procedures to keep family members of hostages described in paragraph (1) informed of the status of such hostages, inform such family members of updates that do not compromise the national security of the United States, and coordinate with the Federal Government's family engagement coordinator or other designated senior representative.

(b) Quarterly report and briefing

(1) Report

(A) In general

On a quarterly basis, the Coordinator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes a summary of each hostage situation described in subsection (a)(1).

(B) Form of report

Each report under this ¹ subparagraph (A) may be submitted in classified or unclassified form.

(2) Briefing

On a quarterly basis, the Coordinator shall provide to the Senators representing the State, and the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of the House of Representatives representing the district, where a hostage described in subsection (a)(1) resides a briefing with respect to the status of such hostage.

(3) Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1092, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1018.)

¹ So in original. The word "this" probably should not appear.

SUBCHAPTER II—HOSTAGE RECOVERY AND HOSTAGE-TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13698. Hostage Recovery Activities

Ex. Ord. No. 13698, June 24, 2015, 80 F.R. 37131, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The 21st century has witnessed a significant shift in hostage-takings by terrorist organizations and criminal groups abroad. Hostage-takers frequently operate in unstable environments that challenge the ability of the United States Government and its partners and allies to operate effectively. Increasingly, hostage-takers target private citizens—including journalists and aid workers—as well as Government officials. They also utilize increasingly sophisticated networks and tactics to derive financial, propaganda, and recruitment benefits from hostage-taking operations. The United States is committed to securing the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held hostage abroad and deterring future hostage-takings by denying hostage-takers any benefits from their actions. Because such hostage-takings pose unique challenges, the United States Government must be organized and work in a coordinated effort to use all instruments of national power to achieve these goals, consistent with the United States Government's no concessions policy. Establishing a single United States Government operational body to coordinate all efforts for the recovery of U.S. nationals taken hostage abroad, with policy guidance coordinated through the National Security Council, will increase the likelihood of a successful recovery, allow for enhanced support to hostages and their families, promote foreign policy and national security interests abroad, and enhance the prospects of successful criminal prosecutions of hostage-takers. Dedicating a senior diplomatic representative to operate in support of this coordinated effort will further enhance the potential for the safe recovery of hostages.

Sec. 2. Establishment and Responsibilities of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell. (a) The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), shall establish within the FBI for administrative purposes an interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (HRFC).

(b) The following executive departments, agencies, and offices (agencies) shall participate in the HRFC:

(i) the Department of State;

(ii) the Department of the Treasury;

(iii) the Department of Defense;

(iv) the Department of Justice;

(v) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;

(vi) the FBI;

(vii) the Central Intelligence Agency; and

(viii) other agencies as the President or the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the FBI, from time to time, may designate.

(c) The HRFC shall have a Director, who shall be a full-time senior officer or employee of, or detailed to, the FBI. The HRFC shall also have a Family Engagement Coordinator and other officers or employees as appropriate. The head of each participating agency shall, to the extent permitted by law, make available for assignment or detail to the HRFC such personnel as the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the FBI and after consultation with the head of the agency, may request. Such personnel so detailed or assigned will operate utilizing the clearances provided by their respective agencies.

(d) The HRFC shall coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that all relevant information, expertise, and resources are brought to bear to secure the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held hostage abroad. The HRFC may also be tasked with coordinating the United States Government's response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest, as specifically referred to the HRFC by the Deputies Committee, as established in Presidential Policy Directive 1 of February 13, 2009 (Organization of the National Security Council System), or any successor. Pursuant to policy guidance coordinated through the National Security Council, the HRFC shall:

(i) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council;

(ii) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that information regarding hostage events, including potential recovery options and engagements with families and external actors (including foreign governments), is appropriately shared within the United States Government to facilitate a coordinated response to a hostage-taking;

(iii) assess and track all hostage-takings of U.S. nationals abroad and provide regular reports to the President through the National Security Council on the status of such cases and any measures being taken toward the hostages' safe recovery;

(iv) provide a forum for intelligence sharing and, with the support of the Director of National Intelligence, coordinate the declassification of relevant information;

(v) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to provide appropriate support and assistance to hostages and their families in a coordinated and consistent manner and to provide families with timely information regarding significant events in their cases;

(vi) make recommendations to agencies in order to reduce the likelihood of U.S. nationals being taken hostage abroad and enhance United States Government preparation to maximize the probability of a favorable outcome following a hostage-taking; and

(vii) coordinate with agencies regarding congressional, media, and other public inquiries pertaining to hostage events.

Sec. 3. Establishment of the Hostage Response Group. (a) There shall be a Hostage Response Group (HRG) chaired by the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, to be convened on a regular basis and as needed at the request of the National Security Council to further the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held abroad. The HRG may also be tasked with coordinating the United States Government response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest, as specifically referred to the HRFC by the Deputies Committee.

(b) The regular members of the HRG shall include the Director of the HRFC, the HRFC's Family Engagement Coordinator, and senior representatives from the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other agencies as the President, from time to time, may designate.

(c) The HRG, in support of the Deputies Committee chaired by the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and consistent with the process outlined in Presidential Policy Directive 1 or any successor, shall:

(i) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council, as consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 30 of June 24, 2015 (U.S. Nationals Taken Hostage Abroad and Personnel Recovery Efforts);

(ii) coordinate the development and implementation of U.S. hostage recovery policies, strategies, and procedures, consistent with the policies set forth in Presidential Policy Directive 30;

(iii) receive regular updates from the HRFC on the status of U.S. nationals being held hostage abroad and measures being taken to effect the hostages' safe recovery;

(iv) coordinate the provision of policy guidance to the HRFC, including reviewing recovery options proposed by the HRFC and working to resolve disputes within the HRFC; and

(v) where higher-level guidance is required, make recommendations to the Deputies Committee.

Sec. 4. Establishment of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. (a) There shall be a Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (Special Envoy), appointed by the President, who shall report to the Secretary of State.

(b) The Special Envoy shall:

(i) lead diplomatic engagement on U.S. hostage policy;

(ii) coordinate all diplomatic engagements in support of hostage recovery efforts, in coordination with the HRFC and consistent with policy guidance communicated through the HRG;

(iii) coordinate with the HRFC proposals for diplomatic engagements and strategy in support of hostage recovery efforts;

(iv) provide senior representation from the Special Envoy's office to the HRFC and in the HRG; and

(v) in coordination with the HRFC as appropriate, coordinate diplomatic engagements regarding cases in which a foreign government confirms that it has detained a U.S. national but the United States Government regards such detention as unlawful or wrongful.

Sec. 5. Reporting. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the HRG shall provide a status report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism on the establishment of the HRFC and its implementation of policy guidance communicated through the HRG.

(b) Within 1 year of the date of this order, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in consultation with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, and Director of the FBI, shall provide a status report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism on the implementation of this order. That report shall be informed by consultation with stakeholders outside of the United States Government, including former hostages and hostages' families, and shall, to the extent possible, be made available to the public.

Sec. 6. Definition. For purposes of this order, the term "U.S. national" means: (a) a U.S. national as defined in either 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) or 8 U.S.C. 1408; or (b) a lawful permanent resident alien with significant ties to the United States.

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law, regulation, Executive Order, or Presidential Directive to any executive department, agency, or head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

Ex. Ord. No. 14078.Bolstering Efforts To Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home

Ex. Ord. No. 14078, July 19, 2022, 87 F.R. 43389, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 1741 et seq.) (Levinson Act), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, find that hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals are heinous acts that undermine the rule of law. Terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and other malicious actors who take hostages for financial, political, or other gain—as well as foreign states that engage in the practice of wrongful detention, including for political leverage or to seek concessions from the United States—threaten the integrity of the international political system and the safety of United States nationals and other persons abroad. I therefore determine that hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals abroad constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with this threat.

The United States Government must redouble its efforts at home and with partners abroad to deter these practices and to secure the release of those held as hostages or wrongfully detained. Processes established under Executive Order 13698 of June 24, 2015 (Hostage Recovery Activities) [set out above] and Presidential Policy Directive 30 of June 24, 2015 (U.S. Nationals Taken Hostage Abroad and Personnel Recovery Efforts) (PPD–30) have facilitated close interagency coordination on efforts to secure the safe release of United States nationals taken hostage abroad, including engagement with the families of hostages and support of diplomatic engagement with partners abroad. This order reinforces the roles, responsibilities, and commitments contained in those directives and seeks to ensure that—as with hostage recovery activities—interagency coordination, family engagement, and diplomatic tools are enshrined in United States Government efforts to secure the safe release and return of United States nationals wrongfully detained by foreign state actors. This order also reinforces tools to deter and to impose tangible consequences on those responsible for, or complicit in, hostage-taking or the wrongful detention of a United States national abroad.

Accordingly, I hereby order:

Section 1. Executive Order 13698 and PPD–30 shall continue to apply to United States hostage recovery activities. Nothing in this order shall alter the responsibilities of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (HRFC), the Hostage Response Group (HRG), or the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), established by Executive Order 13698, with respect to hostage recovery activities under Executive Order 13698 or PPD–-30. Nor shall this order alter the scope of PPD–-30, which applies to both suspected and confirmed hostage-takings in which a United States national is abducted or held outside of the United States, as well as to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest, but does not apply if a foreign government confirms that it has detained a United States national.

Sec. 2. (a) The HRG shall, in coordination with the National Security Council's regional directorates as appropriate, convene on a regular basis and as needed at the request of the National Security Council to work to secure the safe release of United States nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.

(b) The HRG, in support of the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council and consistent with the process outlined in National Security Memorandum 2 of February 4, 2021 (Renewing the National Security Council System), or any successor memorandum, shall:

(i) identify and recommend options and strategies to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs to secure the recovery of hostages or the return of wrongfully detained United States nationals;

(ii) coordinate the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and procedures for the recovery of hostages or the return of wrongfully detained United States nationals;

(iii) coordinate and deconflict policy guidance, strategies, and activities that potentially affect the recovery or welfare of United States nationals held hostage or the return or welfare of United States nationals wrongfully detained abroad, including reviewing proposed recovery or return options;

(iv) receive regular updates from the HRFC, the Office of the SPEHA, and other executive departments and agencies (agencies), as the HRG deems appropriate, on the status of United States nationals being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad and measures being taken to effect safe releases;

(v) receive regular updates from the Department of State on all new wrongful detention determinations; and

(vi) where higher-level guidance is required, make recommendations to the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council.

Sec. 3. (a) The SPEHA shall report to the Secretary of State on a regular basis and as needed to advance efforts to secure the safe release of United States nationals wrongfully detained abroad.

(b) The SPEHA shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law:

(i) coordinate diplomatic engagements and strategy regarding hostage and wrongful detention cases, in coordination with the HRFC and relevant agencies, as appropriate and consistent with policy guidance communicated through the HRG;

(ii) share information, including information acquired during consular interactions and engagements, regarding wrongful detention cases with relevant agencies to facilitate close interagency coordination;

(iii) draw on the experience and expertise of the HRFC to support efforts to return wrongfully detained United States nationals, including by providing support and assistance to the families of those wrongfully detained;

(iv) develop and regularly update, in coordination with relevant agencies, strategies for wrongful detention cases for review by the HRG;

(v) ensure, in coordination with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, that relevant agencies have access to necessary information, including intelligence information, on wrongful detention cases to inform strategies and options; and

(vi) share, in coordination with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, relevant information, including intelligence information, on developments in wrongful detention cases with the families of wrongfully detained United States nationals, in a timely manner, as appropriate and consistent with the protection of sources and methods.

(c) To ensure that the United States Government provides a coordinated, effective, and supportive response to wrongful detentions, the Secretary of State shall identify adequate resources to enable the SPEHA to:

(i) ensure that all interactions by executive branch officials with the family of a wrongfully detained United States national occur in a coordinated fashion and that the family receives consistent and accurate information from the United States Government, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law;

(ii) provide support and assistance to wrongfully detained United States nationals and their families throughout their detention, including through coordination with the HRFC, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law; and

(iii) provide support and assistance to United States nationals upon their return to the United States from wrongful detention, including through coordination with the HRFC and the Department of Health and Human Services, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.

Sec. 4. The SPEHA, in coordination with the HRG, the HRFC, and relevant agencies, as appropriate, shall identify and recommend options and strategies to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs to reduce the likelihood of United States nationals being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. The options shall seek to counter and deter hostage-takings and wrongful detentions by terrorist organizations, foreign governments, and other actors by imposing costs on those who participate in, support, or facilitate such conduct. The strategies shall seek to deter any effort to engage in hostage-taking or the wrongful detention of United States nationals abroad through cooperation with like-minded foreign governments and organizations.

Sec. 5. The Secretary of State shall publicly or privately designate or identify officials of foreign governments who are involved, directly or indirectly, in wrongful detentions, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division K of Public Law 117–103) [8 U.S.C. 1182 note].

Sec. 6. (a) All property and interests in property of the following persons that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:

(i) any foreign person determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General:

(A) to be responsible for or complicit in, to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or to be responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the hostage-taking of a United States national or the wrongful detention of a United States national abroad;

(B) to have attempted to engage in any activity described in subsection (a)(i)(A) of this section; or

(C) to be or have been a leader or official of an entity that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, any of the activities described in subsections (a)(i)(A) or (a)(i)(B) of this section relating to the leader's or official's tenure;

(ii) any foreign person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General:

(A) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of:

(1) any activity described in subsection (a)(i)(A) of this section; or

(2) any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order;

(B) to be owned, controlled, or directed by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(C) to have attempted to engage in any activity described in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section.

(b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the date of this order.

Sec. 7. (a) The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of noncitizens determined to meet one or more of the criteria set forth in section 6(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and the entry of such persons into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, is hereby suspended, except when the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, determines that the person's entry would not be contrary to the interests of the United States, including when the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, so determines, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General, that the person's entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives.

(b) The Secretary of State shall implement this authority as it applies to visas pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may establish.

(c) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this order as it applies to the entry of noncitizens pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish.

(d) Such persons shall be treated by this section in the same manner as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions) [listed in a table under section 1182 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality].

Sec. 8. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 6 of this order.

Sec. 9. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

Sec. 10. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 6 of this order.

Sec. 11. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of the Treasury. All agencies of the United States Government shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order.

Sec. 12. Nothing in this order shall prohibit transactions for the conduct of the official business of the United States Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof.

Sec. 13. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1642(c)) [50 U.S.C. 1641(c)] and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

Sec. 14. For purposes of this order:

(a) the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;

(b) the term "foreign person" means any citizen or national of a foreign state (including any such individual who is also a citizen or national of the United States, provided such individual does not reside in the United States) or any entity not organized solely under the laws of the United States or existing solely in the United States;

(c) the term "hostage-taking" has the same meaning as provided in PPD–30, which is the unlawful abduction or holding of a person or persons against their will in order to compel a third person or governmental organization to do or to abstain from doing any act as a condition for the release of the person detained;

(d) the term "noncitizen" means any person who is not a citizen or noncitizen national of the United States;

(e) the term "person" means an individual or entity;

(f) the term "United States national" means:

(i) a "national of the United States" as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) or 8 U.S.C. 1408; or

(ii) a lawful permanent resident with significant ties to the United States;

(g) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; and

(h) the term "wrongful detention" means a detention that the Secretary of State has determined to be wrongful consistent with section 302(a) of the Levinson Act [22 U.S.C. 1741(a)].

Sec. 15. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

Continuation of national emergency declared by Ex. Ord. No. 14078 was contained in the following:

Notice of President of the United States, dated July 12, 2023, 88 F.R. 45327.

§1741. Assistance for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad

(a) Review

The Secretary of State shall review, as expeditiously as possible, the cases of United States nationals detained abroad to determine if there is credible information that they are being detained unlawfully or wrongfully, based on criteria which may include whether—

(1) United States officials receive or possess credible information indicating innocence of the detained individual;

(2) the individual is being detained solely or substantially because he or she is a United States national;

(3) the individual is being detained solely or substantially to influence United States Government policy or to secure economic or political concessions from the United States Government;

(4) the detention appears to be because the individual sought to obtain, exercise, defend, or promote freedom of the press, freedom of religion, or the right to peacefully assemble;

(5) the individual is being detained in violation of the laws of the detaining country;

(6) independent nongovernmental organizations or journalists have raised legitimate questions about the innocence of the detained individual;

(7) the United States mission in the country where the individual is being detained has received credible reports that the detention is a pretext for an illegitimate purpose;

(8) the individual is detained in a country where the Department of State has determined in its annual human rights reports that the judicial system is not independent or impartial, is susceptible to corruption, or is incapable of rendering just verdicts;

(9) the individual is being detained in inhumane conditions;

(10) due process of law has been sufficiently impaired so as to render the detention arbitrary; and

(11) United States diplomatic engagement is likely necessary to secure the release of the detained individual.

(b) Referrals to Special Envoy; notification to Congress

(1) In general

Upon a determination by the Secretary of State, based on the totality of the circumstances, that there is credible information that the detention of a United States national abroad is unlawful or wrongful, and regardless of whether the detention is by a foreign government or a nongovernmental actor, the Secretary shall—

(A) expeditiously transfer responsibility for such case from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State to the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs; and

(B) not later than 14 days after such determination, notify the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives of such determination and provide such committees with a summary of the facts that led to such determination.

(2) Form

The notification described in paragraph (1)(B) may be classified, if necessary.

(c) Report

(1) Annual report

(A) In general

The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report with respect to United States nationals for whom the Secretary determines there is credible information of unlawful or wrongful detention abroad.

(B) Form

The report required under this paragraph shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex if necessary.

(2) Composition

The report required under paragraph (1) shall include current estimates of the number of individuals so detained, as well as relevant information about particular cases, such as—

(A) the name of the individual, unless the provision of such information is inconsistent with section 552a of title 5 (commonly known as the "Privacy Act of 1974");

(B) basic facts about the case;

(C) a summary of the information that such individual may be detained unlawfully or wrongfully;

(D) a description of specific efforts, legal and diplomatic, taken on behalf of the individual since the last reporting period, including a description of accomplishments and setbacks; and

(E) a description of intended next steps.

(d) Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad

(1) Resource guidance

(A) In general

Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, and after consulting with relevant organizations that advocate on behalf of United States nationals detained abroad and the Family Engagement Coordinator established pursuant to section 1741b(c)(2) of this title, the Secretary of State shall provide resource guidance in writing for government officials and families of unjustly or wrongfully detained individuals.

(B) Content

The resource guidance required under subparagraph (A) should include—

(i) information to help families understand United States policy concerning the release of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully held abroad;

(ii) contact information for officials in the Department of State or other government agencies suited to answer family questions;

(iii) relevant information about options available to help families obtain the release of unjustly or wrongfully detained individuals, such as guidance on how families may engage with United States diplomatic and consular channels to ensure prompt and regular access for the detained individual to legal counsel, family members, humane treatment, and other services;

(iv) guidance on submitting public or private letters from members of Congress or other individuals who may be influential in securing the release of an individual; and

(v) appropriate points of contacts, such as legal resources and counseling services, who have a record of assisting victims' families.

(2) Travel assistance

(A) Family advocacy

For the purpose of facilitating meetings between the United States Government and the family members of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, the Secretary shall provide financial assistance to cover the costs of travel to and from Washington, D.C., including travel by air, train, bus, or other transit as appropriate, to any individual who—

(i) is—

(I) a family member of a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as determined by the Secretary under subsection (a); or

(II) an appropriate individual who—

(aa) is approved by the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs; and

(bb) does not represent in any legal capacity a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or the family of such United States national;

(ii) has a permanent address that is more than 50 miles from Washington, D.C.; and

(iii) requests such assistance.

(B) Travel and lodging

(i) In general

For each such United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, the financial assistance described in subparagraph (A) shall be provided for not more than 2 trips per fiscal year, unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs determines that a third trip is warranted.

(ii) Limitations

Any trip described in clause (i) shall—

(I) consist of not more than 2 family members or other individuals approved in accordance with subparagraph (A)(i)(II), unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs determines that circumstances warrant an additional family member or other individual approved in accordance with subparagraph (A)(i)(II) and approves assistance to such third family member or other individual; and

(II) not exceed more than 2 nights lodging, which shall not exceed the applicable government rate.

(C) Return travel

If other United States Government assistance is unavailable, the Secretary may provide to a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as determined by the Secretary under subsection (a), United States assistance, as necessary, for return travel to the United States upon release of such United States national.

(3) Support

(A) In general

The Secretary shall seek to make available physical health services, mental health services, and other support as appropriate, including providing information on available legal or financial resources, to—

(i) any United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

(ii) any family member of such United States national.

(B) Limitations

(i) In general

For any support described in subparagraph (A) for an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) of such subparagraph that commences following the return of a United States national who was unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, such support shall be made available for up to 5 years from the date on which any individual identified in subparagraph (A) chooses to avail themselves of the support described in that subparagraph, unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs determines that circumstances warrant extending such support.

(ii) Exception

The time limitation under clause (i) does not apply to any support provided during the pendency of the detention of a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad.

(4) Notification requirement

The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives of any amount spent above $250,000 for any fiscal year to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3).

(5) Funding

Funds authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State, which may include funds made available for unforeseen emergencies arising in the diplomatic and consular service, may be used to provide the support authorized by this section.

(6) Report

Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes—

(A) a detailed description of expenditures made pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3);

(B) a detailed description of types of support provided pursuant to paragraph (3), provided that such description does not identify any individuals receiving any physical or mental health support, in order to protect their privacy; and

(C) the number and location of visits outside of Washington, D.C., during the prior fiscal year made by the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to family members of each United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad.

(7) Sunset

The authority and requirements under paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) shall terminate on December 31, 2027.

(8) Family member defined

In this subsection, the term "family member" means a spouse, father, mother, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, cousin, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, or half sister.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §302, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3091; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCI, §9102, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3858; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXIV, §6409, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 1003.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(1), substituted "Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad" for "Resource guidance" in heading.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(2), substituted "Resource guidance" for "Establishment" in heading, and designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(5), substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "paragraph (1)".

Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(4), which directed the redesignation of "paragraph (2) as subparagraph (B)", without specifying the par. to which subpar. (B) was to be redesignated, and the realignment of margins, was executed by redesignating par. (2) as subpar. (B) of par. (1), to reflect the probable intent of Congress, and realigning margins.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(6), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (1)(B).

Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(3), which directed the redesignation of "subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) and clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v), respectively," and the realignment of margins, was executed by redesignating subpars. (A) to (E) as cls. (i) to (v), respectively, to reflect the probable intent of Congress, and realigning margins. Former par. (2) redesignated (1)(B).

Subsec. (d)(3) to (8). Pub. L. 118–31, §6409(6), added pars. (3) to (8).

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §9102(1), inserted ", as expeditiously as possible," after "review" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §9102(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Upon a determination by the Secretary of State, based on the totality of the circumstances, that there is credible information that the detention of a United States national abroad is unlawful or wrongful, and regardless of whether the detention is by a foreign government or a nongovernmental actor, the Secretary shall transfer responsibility for such case from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State to the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs created pursuant to section 1741a of this title."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §301, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3091, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (§§301–308) of title III of div. FF of Pub. L. 116–260, enacting this subchapter] may be cited as the 'Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act'."

§1741a. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs

(a) Establishment

There shall be a Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall report to the Secretary of State.

(b) Rank

The Special Envoy shall have the rank and status of ambassador.

(c) Responsibilities

The Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs shall—

(1) lead diplomatic engagement on United States hostage policy;

(2) coordinate all diplomatic engagements and strategy in support of hostage recovery efforts, in coordination with the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and consistent with policy guidance communicated through the Hostage Response Group;

(3) in coordination with the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell as appropriate, coordinate diplomatic engagements regarding cases in which a foreign government has detained a United States national and the United States Government regards such detention as unlawful or wrongful;

(4) provide senior representation from the Special Envoy's office to the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell established under section 1741b of this title and the Hostage Response Group established under section 1741c of this title; and

(5) ensure that families of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongly detained abroad receive updated information about developments in cases and government policy.

(d) Family Engagement Coordinator

There shall be, in the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, a Family Engagement Coordinator, who shall ensure—

(1) for a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, that—

(A) any interaction by executive branch officials with any family member of such United States national occurs in a coordinated fashion;

(B) such family member receives consistent and accurate information from the United States Government; and

(C) appropriate coordination with the Family Engagement Coordinator described in section 1741b(c)(2) of this title; and

(2) for a United States national held hostage abroad, that any engagement with a family member is coordinated with, consistent with, and not duplicative of the efforts of the Family Engagement Coordinator described in section 1741b(c)(2) of this title.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §303, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3093; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCI, §9103, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3858.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263 added subsec. (d).

§1741b. Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell

(a) Establishment

The President shall establish an interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell.

(b) Participation

The President shall direct the heads of each of the following executive departments, agencies, and offices to make available personnel to participate in the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell:

(1) The Department of State.

(2) The Department of the Treasury.

(3) The Department of Defense.

(4) The Department of Justice.

(5) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

(6) The Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(7) The Central Intelligence Agency.

(8) Other agencies as the President, from time to time, may designate.

(c) Personnel

The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell shall include—

(1) a Director, who shall be a full-time senior officer or employee of the United States Government;

(2) a Family Engagement Coordinator who shall—

(A) work to ensure that all interactions by executive branch officials with a hostage's family occur in a coordinated fashion and that the family receives consistent and accurate information from the United States Government; and

(B) if directed, perform the same function as set out in subparagraph (A) with regard to the family of a United States national who is unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

(3) other officers and employees as deemed appropriate by the President.

(d) Duties

The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell shall—

(1) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that all relevant information, expertise, and resources are brought to bear to secure the safe recovery of United States nationals held hostage abroad;

(2) if directed, coordinate the United States Government's response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest;

(3) if directed, coordinate or assist the United States Government's response to help secure the release of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

(4) pursuant to policy guidance coordinated through the National Security Council—

(A) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council or the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council;

(B) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that information regarding hostage events, including potential recovery options and engagements with families and external actors (including foreign governments), is appropriately shared within the United States Government to facilitate a coordinated response to a hostage-taking;

(C) assess and track all hostage-takings of United States nationals abroad and provide regular reports to the President and Congress on the status of such cases and any measures being taken toward the hostages' safe recovery;

(D) provide a forum for intelligence sharing and, with the support of the Director of National Intelligence, coordinate the declassification of relevant information;

(E) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to provide appropriate support and assistance to hostages and their families in a coordinated and consistent manner and to provide families with timely information regarding significant events in their cases;

(F) make recommendations to agencies in order to reduce the likelihood of United States nationals' being taken hostage abroad and enhance United States Government preparation to maximize the probability of a favorable outcome following a hostage-taking; and

(G) coordinate with agencies regarding congressional, media, and other public inquiries pertaining to hostage events.

(e) Administration

The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell shall be located within the Federal Bureau of Investigation for administrative purposes.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §304, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3094.)

§1741c. Hostage Response Group

(a) Establishment

The President shall establish a Hostage Response Group, chaired by a designated member of the National Security Council or the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council, to be convened on a regular basis, to further the safe recovery of United States nationals held hostage abroad or unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, and to be tasked with coordinating the United States Government response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest.

(b) Membership

The regular members of the Hostage Response Group shall include the Director of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell's Family Engagement Coordinator, the Special Envoy appointed pursuant to section 1741a of this title, and representatives from the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, and other agencies as the President, from time to time, may designate.

(c) Duties

The Hostage Recovery Group shall—

(1) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council;

(2) coordinate the development and implementation of United States hostage recovery policies, strategies, and procedures;

(3) receive regular updates from the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs on the status of United States nationals being held hostage or unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad and measures being taken to effect safe recoveries;

(4) coordinate the provision of policy guidance to the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, including reviewing recovery options proposed by the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and working to resolve disputes within the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell;

(5) as appropriate, direct the use of resources at the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to coordinate or assist in the safe recovery of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

(6) as appropriate, direct the use of resources at the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to coordinate the United States Government response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest.

(d) Meetings

The Hostage Response Group shall meet regularly.

(e) Reporting

The Hostage Response Group shall regularly provide recommendations on hostage recovery options and strategies to the National Security Council.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §305, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3095.)

§1741d. Authorization of imposition of sanctions

(a) In general

The President may impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to any foreign person the President determines, based on credible evidence—

(1) is responsible for or is complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the hostage-taking of a United States national abroad or the unlawful or wrongful detention of a United States national abroad; or

(2) knowingly provides financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, an activity described in paragraph (1).

(b) Sanctions described

The sanctions described in this subsection are the following:

(1) Ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole

(A) Visas, admission, or parole

An alien described in subsection (a) may be—

(i) inadmissible to the United States;

(ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States; and

(iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

(B) Current visas revoked

(i) In general

An alien described in subsection (a) may be subject to revocation of any visa or other entry documentation regardless of when the visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.

(ii) Immediate effect

A revocation under clause (i) may—

(I) take effect immediately; and

(II) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the alien's possession.

(2) Blocking of property

(A) In general

The President may exercise all of the powers granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a foreign person described in subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person.

(B) Inapplicability of national emergency requirement

The requirements of section 202 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701) shall not apply for purposes of this section.

(c) Exceptions

(1) Exception for intelligence activities

Sanctions under this section shall not apply to any activity subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States.

(2) Exception to comply with international obligations and for law enforcement activities

Sanctions under subsection (b)(1) shall not apply with respect to an alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the United States is necessary—

(A) to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations; or

(B) to carry out or assist law enforcement activity in the United States.

(d) Penalties

A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of subsection (b)(2) or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out that subsection shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section.

(e) Termination of sanctions

The President may terminate the application of sanctions under this section with respect to a person if the President determines that—

(1) information exists that the person did not engage in the activity for which sanctions were imposed;

(2) the person has been prosecuted appropriately for the activity for which sanctions were imposed;

(3) the person has credibly demonstrated a significant change in behavior, has paid an appropriate consequence for the activity for which sanctions were imposed, and has credibly committed to not engage in an activity described in subsection (a) in the future; or

(4) the termination of the sanctions is in the national security interests of the United States.

(f) Reporting requirement

If the President terminates sanctions pursuant to subsection (d),¹ the President shall report to the appropriate congressional committees a written justification for such termination within 15 days.

(g) Implementation of regulatory authority

The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section.

(h) Exception relating to importation of goods

(1) In general

The authorities and requirements to impose sanctions authorized under this subchapter shall not include the authority or a requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.

(2) Good defined

In this paragraph, the term "good" means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.

(i) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Foreign person

The term "foreign person" means—

(A) any citizen or national of a foreign country (including any such individual who is also a citizen or national of the United States); or

(B) any entity not organized solely under the laws of the United States or existing solely in the United States.

(2) United States person

The term "United States person" means—

(A) an individual who is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States;

(B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity; or

(C) any person in the United States.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §306, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3096.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iii), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of Title 8 and Tables.

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(A), is title II of Pub. L. 95–223, Dec. 28, 1977, 91 Stat. 1626, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§1701 et seq.) of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 50 and Tables.

The National Security Act of 1947, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, 61 Stat. 495. Title V of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§3091 et seq.) of chapter 44 of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "subsection (e),".

§1741e. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

(2) United States national

The term "United States national" means—

(A) a United States national as defined in section 1101(a)(22) or section 1408 of title 8; and

(B) a lawful permanent resident alien with significant ties to the United States.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §307, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3098.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act" and was translated as reading "this subtitle", meaning subtitle A (§§301–308) of title III of div. FF of Pub. L. 116–260, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3091, known as the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, which enacted this subchapter, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

§1741f. Rule of construction

Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to authorize a private right of action.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title III, §308, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3099.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act" and was translated as reading "this subtitle", meaning subtitle A (§§301–308) of title III of div. FF of Pub. L. 116–260, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3091, known as the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, which enacted this subchapter, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.