What is the Federal Foreign Agents Registration Act?

In 1938, Congress enacted the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”), requiring “foreign agents” to register with the Attorney General. As amended over the years, it applies broadly to anyone who acts on behalf of a “foreign principal” to, among other things, influence U.S. policy or public opinion.

How do I find Fara?

Registration statements are available online at fara.gov by using the available search tools. Appointments are only necessary to review materials that are not currently available online.

What constitutes a foreign agent?

A foreign agent is any person or entity actively carrying out the interests of a foreign country while located in another host country, generally outside the protections offered to those working in their official capacity for a diplomatic mission. Foreign agents may be citizens of the host country.

Who has to compulsorily register under FARA?

FARA requires the registration of, and disclosures by, an “agent of a foreign principal” who, either directly or through another person, within the United States (1) engages in “political activities” on behalf of a foreign principal; (2) acts as a foreign principal’s public relations counsel, publicity agent.

Why is FARA important?

The purpose of FARA is not to restrict speech, but rather to identify it as the speech of a foreign principal (when fairly attributed), and thus to enable American audiences to consider the source in evaluating the message.

What is a foreign registration statement?

Foreign entity registration is required anytime you wish to legally conduct business in another state. For example, if you formed your business in Nevada but you live and intend to operate in California, then your business will be considered foreign in California and require registration.

What is a FARA disclosure?

What is FARA? The Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”) imposes disclosure requirements and other legal obligations on any individual or entity that becomes an “agent of a foreign principal” unless an exemption applies.

What is a foreign lobbyist?

But foreign nationals can hire foreign agents or lobbyists to advocate for their interests in the U.S. and lobbyists who are U.S. citizens are able to make political contributions, even to the same lawmakers they may be lobbying on behalf of foreign clients.

What is a FARA statement?

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”) imposes disclosure requirements and other legal obligations on any individual or entity that becomes an “agent of a foreign principal” unless an exemption applies.

What is an example of a foreign entity?

A foreign entity is any corporation, business association, partnership, trust, society or any other entity or group that is not incorporated or organized to do business in the United States, as well as international organizations, foreign governments and any agency or subdivision of foreign governments.

What is foreign certificate?

foreign certificate means a valid document, regardless of the name under which it is known, issued or authorized by the authorities of a foreign country, entitling the holder to serve as specified in the foreign certificate or as authorized by the law of the foreign country; Sample 1.

Who is the lobbying registrant?

LOBBYING FIRMS, i.e. entities with one or more lobbyists, including self-employed individuals who act as lobbyists for outside clients are required to file a separate registration for each client. ORGANIZATIONS employing in-house lobbyists file a single registration.