
Foreign nationals are prohibited by federal law from contributing to U.S. political campaigns. However, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. (green card holders) are exempt from this rule and are allowed to contribute to state and local campaigns, as long as they comply with the laws of their specific state. Green card holders are still restricted from donating to federal campaigns, including presidential, congressional, or other federal elections.
Can Green Card Holders Contribute to Political Campaigns?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal Campaigns | Cannot contribute |
| State and Local Campaigns | Can contribute in most cases, but must comply with specific state laws |
| Political Action Committees (PACs) | May be able to contribute, but with certain restrictions |
| Foreign Nationals | Cannot contribute to U.S. campaigns |
| Lawful Permanent Residents | Considered eligible to make contributions |
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What You'll Learn
- Green card holders are considered foreign nationals
- Green card holders can donate to state and local campaigns
- Green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns
- Green card holders may donate to PACs and other political organisations
- Green card holders must comply with state laws regarding contributions

Green card holders are considered foreign nationals
Green card holders, or legal permanent residents, are considered foreign nationals. They are not US citizens or US nationals. They are aliens who are lawfully authorized to live and work in the United States.
Federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures, and disbursements made by foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state, or local election. This includes decisions concerning the making of contributions, donations, expenditures, or disbursements in connection with any federal, state, or local election. It is also a violation of federal law to knowingly provide substantial assistance in the making, acceptance, or receipt of contributions or donations in connection with federal, state, or local elections.
Green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns, including presidential, congressional, or other federal elections. This is because foreign nationals, which include green card holders, should not be able to influence federal elections. However, they can contribute to state and local campaigns as long as they comply with the specific laws of their state. Some states may require proof of residency or other documentation.
Green card holders may also be able to donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. PACs must still comply with federal law, so they cannot accept donations from non-citizens.
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Green card holders can donate to state and local campaigns
Green card holders, or legal permanent residents, have a unique status in the U.S. political system. They enjoy certain rights, but when it comes to political contributions, there are important restrictions.
Green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns, including presidential, congressional, or other federal elections. This is because federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures, and disbursements solicited, directed, received, or made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state, or local election. Foreign nationals are defined as any person that is not a U.S. citizen and does not have a green card.
However, green card holders can donate to state and local campaigns as long as they comply with the specific laws of their state. Each state has its own rules about who can contribute to local elections, but typically, green card holders are allowed to contribute at these levels. Even at the state and local levels, green card holders must ensure they are complying with their state's specific laws regarding contributions, as some states may require proof of residency or other documentation.
Additionally, while green card holders cannot donate to federal campaigns, they may still be able to donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. PACs must still comply with federal law, so they cannot accept donations from non-citizens. However, green card holders who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. may be able to donate to PACs under certain conditions.
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Green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns
Green card holders, or legal permanent residents, have a unique status in the U.S. political system. While they are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, they are not considered U.S. citizens. This distinction is important when it comes to political contributions, as there are certain restrictions on who can contribute to political campaigns.
Under U.S. federal law, only U.S. citizens and certain legal residents (U.S. nationals) can contribute to federal political campaigns. This means that green card holders cannot donate to candidates running for federal office, including U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races. The restriction is based on the idea that foreign nationals, which include green card holders, should not be able to influence federal elections, as it could potentially lead to foreign interference.
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) prohibits organizations from knowingly soliciting, accepting, or receiving contributions or donations from foreign nationals for campaign finance. While green card holders cannot donate to federal campaigns, they may still be able to donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. PACs must still comply with federal law, so they cannot accept donations from non-citizens.
It is important to note that green card holders can donate to state and local campaigns in most cases. However, they need to ensure they are complying with the specific laws and regulations of their state regarding contributions. Some states may require proof of residency or other documentation.
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Green card holders may donate to PACs and other political organisations
Green card holders are considered foreign nationals and are prohibited by federal law from contributing to any federal, state, or local election campaigns. This includes donations to political party committees and organizations, state or local party committees, and inaugural committees.
However, green card holders may donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, as long as they comply with certain restrictions. PACs are subject to federal law and cannot accept donations from non-citizens. This means that green card holders, as lawful permanent residents, are eligible to donate to PACs.
It is important to note that PACs must be cautious with potential foreign involvement. While green card holders can donate to PACs, they cannot direct, dictate, or control the decision-making process of the PAC regarding its election-related activities. Additionally, green card holders should always verify the rules and restrictions in their specific jurisdiction before making any political donations.
Furthermore, while not directly contributing to political campaigns, green card holders may also contribute to charitable donations to political causes or organizations that are not directly involved in campaigns.
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Green card holders must comply with state laws regarding contributions
Green card holders are considered foreign nationals and are restricted by law from contributing to federal political campaigns. This restriction is based on the idea that foreign nationals should not be able to influence federal elections. However, green card holders are allowed to contribute to state and local campaigns in most cases. As these races fall under state jurisdiction, the rules can differ. Each state has its own rules about who can contribute to local elections, but typically, green card holders are permitted to do so.
Even at the state and local levels, green card holders must ensure they are complying with their state's specific laws regarding contributions. Some states may require proof of residency or other documentation. It is important for green card holders to verify the rules in their jurisdiction and understand the restrictions around political donations. Failure to comply with these laws can result in civil fines or even criminal liability.
While green card holders cannot donate to federal campaigns, they may be able to donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. PACs must still comply with federal law, so they cannot accept donations from non-citizens. However, there are some exceptions, such as when a PAC is formed by a US subsidiary of a foreign corporation, known as a Separate Segregated Fund (SSF). In this case, the PAC must meet strict guidelines on the source of funding and citizenship of its members, and no foreign nationals may serve in decision-making or operational roles.
Additionally, green card holders may contribute to political organizations that are not directly involved in campaigns, such as charitable donations to political causes. Nevertheless, it is important for green card holders to be mindful of the laws and restrictions that apply to their contributions to ensure they remain in compliance with state and federal regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Green card holders are considered foreign nationals and are restricted by law from contributing to federal political campaigns. However, they can contribute to state and local campaigns as long as they comply with the specific laws of their state.
Green card holders are prohibited from contributing to federal campaigns, including presidential and congressional elections. They are also restricted from donating to any foreign national, government, or political party.
Green card holders cannot donate to PACs that are directly involved in federal campaigns. However, they may be able to donate to PACs that are not directly involved in campaigns or election-related activities.

























