
Foreign nationals are prohibited by federal law from contributing to any federal, state, or local election campaigns in the United States. This includes donations to political party committees and organizations, and electioneering communications. However, green card holders are not considered foreign nationals and are therefore exempt from this rule. They are classified as lawful permanent residents and are allowed to donate to state and local campaigns in most cases. Nevertheless, they are restricted from contributing to federal political campaigns, including presidential and congressional elections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can green card holders donate to federal political campaigns? | No |
| Can green card holders donate to state and local campaigns? | Yes, but they must comply with the laws of their specific state |
| Are green card holders considered foreign nationals? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Green card holders are allowed to donate to state and local campaigns
- They are prohibited from donating to federal campaigns
- Foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to US campaigns
- Green card holders are considered foreign nationals
- Each state has its own rules about who can contribute to local elections

Green card holders are allowed to donate to state and local campaigns
While green card holders are not permitted to donate to federal campaigns, they are allowed to contribute to state and local campaigns as long as they comply with the laws of their state. This includes elections that fall under state jurisdiction, such as gubernatorial and mayoral races. Green card holders who want to support political causes or candidates at any level are advised to verify the rules and understand the restrictions around political donations in their jurisdiction.
The restriction on foreign nationals donating to federal campaigns is based on the idea that they should not be able to influence federal elections, as it could potentially lead to foreign interference. However, green card holders, or legal permanent residents, have a unique status in the U.S. political system, and while they do have certain rights, there are also important restrictions on their political contributions.
It's worth noting that the term foreign national is defined as any person who is not a U.S. citizen or does not have a green card. This means that green card holders are specifically exempt from the restrictions on foreign nationals contributing to U.S. political campaigns. Nonetheless, green card holders should always ensure they are complying with the relevant laws and regulations when participating in political activities.
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They are prohibited from donating to federal campaigns
Green card holders are prohibited from donating to federal political campaigns. This restriction is based on the idea that foreign nationals should not be able to influence federal elections, as it could potentially lead to foreign interference. 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. This includes donations to political party committees and organizations, as well as independent expenditures.
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) defines a foreign national as any person who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Green card holders are considered foreign nationals under FECA and are therefore prohibited from contributing to federal campaigns. However, they may still be able to donate to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. For example, PACs must still comply with federal law and cannot accept donations from non-citizens.
It is important to note that while green card holders cannot donate to federal campaigns, they may be able to contribute to state and local campaigns, depending on the laws of their specific state. Each state has its own rules about who can contribute to local elections, and green card holders should always verify the rules in their jurisdiction and ensure they understand the restrictions around political donations. Some states may require proof of residency or other documentation.
In summary, green card holders are prohibited from donating to federal political campaigns due to laws that aim to prevent foreign interference in US elections. While they may be able to donate to PACs and state or local campaigns under certain conditions, it is important for green card holders to be aware of and comply with the specific laws and restrictions that apply to their political contributions.
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Foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to US campaigns
A foreign national is defined as an individual who is not a US citizen and does not have a green card (lawfully admitted for permanent residence). Foreign nationals are also prohibited from participating in decisions involving election-related activities, such as making contributions or expenditures. It is a violation of federal law to knowingly provide assistance in the making, acceptance, or receipt of contributions or donations in connection with elections.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces this statute by imposing civil fines on those who violate the law, and criminal liability is also possible. The FEC can refer cases of knowingly and willingly accepting foreign contributions to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution.
While green card holders are considered foreign nationals, they are allowed to donate to state and local campaigns in most cases, as long as they comply with specific state laws. However, they cannot donate to federal campaigns or presidential and congressional elections.
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Green card holders are considered foreign nationals
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) specifically prohibits organizations from knowingly soliciting, accepting, or receiving contributions or donations from foreign nationals for campaign finance. This includes green card holders, who are classified as foreign nationals under federal law.
However, there are some exceptions to these restrictions. Green card holders, as lawful permanent residents of the US, are allowed to donate to state and local campaigns in most cases. The rules for these campaigns fall under state jurisdiction and can vary, so green card holders must ensure they are complying with the specific laws of their state regarding contributions.
While green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns, they may still be able to contribute to Political Action Committees (PACs) and other political organizations, but with certain restrictions. It is important for green card holders to verify the rules and restrictions around political donations in their jurisdiction.
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Each state has its own rules about who can contribute to local elections
Green card holders are not allowed to donate to federal political campaigns. This includes presidential, congressional, or other federal elections. However, they are allowed to contribute to state and local campaigns, as long as they comply with the specific laws of their state.
For example, while states set standards for voting technology, they may leave the choice of which voting machines to buy to local officials. At the local level, county governments are most commonly responsible for election administration, rather than city or town governments.
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. This includes decisions concerning the making of contributions, donations, expenditures, or disbursements in connection with any federal, state, or local election.
The Elections Clause was designed to empower Congress to override state election rules, not to restrict the way states enact legislation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, green card holders cannot donate to federal political campaigns, including presidential, congressional, or other federal elections.
Yes, green card holders can donate to state and local campaigns in most cases. However, they must ensure they are complying with the specific laws of their state regarding contributions.
Green card holders are considered foreign nationals and are restricted by law from influencing federal elections. They cannot donate to candidates running for federal office, such as U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races.
Green card holders cannot donate to PACs directly as they are subject to federal law, which prohibits accepting donations from non-citizens. However, they may be able to donate to PACs indirectly through certain organizations or funds that comply with specific guidelines.
























