Interning On Political Campaigns: Legal Immigrant Opportunities

Foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing money to U.S. political campaigns. The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating, or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as persons with green cards are excluded from the definition of foreign nationals and are, therefore, eligible to contribute money and/or services to U.S. political campaigns. Foreign nationals may also engage in certain political activities that are not connected to elections, such as attending and speaking at campaign events and providing volunteer services like graphic design or musical performances.

Explore related products

The Campaign Manager

$40.62 $62.99

The Political Campaign Desk Reference: A Guide for Campaign Managers, Professionals and Candidates Running for Office

$16.44 $19.95

Words to Win By: The Slogans, Logos, and Designs of America's Presidential Elections

$13 $24.99

Campaign Boot Camp 2.0: Basic Training for Candidates, Staffers, Volunteers, and Nonprofits

$29.22 $33.99

The Last Plantation: Racism and Resistance in the Halls of Congress

$18.17 $29.95

Training, Tactics and Leadership in the Confederate Army of Tennessee: Seeds of Failure (Military History and Policy)

$58.39 $72.99

Legal immigrants can contribute to US political campaigns if they have a green card

In the United States, there are strict rules governing what legal immigrants can do during election campaigns. These restrictions apply to all federal, state, and local elections.

The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) prohibits foreign nationals from contributing, donating, or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the US, either directly or indirectly. Foreign nationals are broadly defined as foreign persons or entities (corporations). However, this definition does not include legal immigrants with green cards, who are exempt from the restrictions on political contributions. As such, legal immigrants with green cards are legally eligible to contribute money and/or services to US political campaigns.

It is important to note that the term "foreign national" specifically excludes individuals with green cards, who are considered permanent residents of the US. This distinction allows legal immigrants with green cards to actively participate in the political process by contributing to campaigns.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces these statutes and can impose civil fines or refer cases to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution if violations are found. FEC advisory opinions help define the parameters of permissible political activity for foreign nationals, such as attending and speaking at campaign events or providing volunteer services like musical performances or intellectual property development for campaigns.

In summary, while foreign nationals without green cards face restrictions on contributing to US political campaigns, legal immigrants with green cards are exempt from these prohibitions. They can actively engage in the political process by donating money, volunteering their skills, and supporting candidates of their choice in federal, state, and local elections.

Foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing to federal, state, or local elections

Foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing financially to federal, state, or local elections in the US. This prohibition was incorporated into the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) in 1974. The Act defines a foreign national as a foreign person or entity (corporation) and includes immigrants who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence. However, persons with green cards are excluded from this definition and are therefore legally permitted to contribute financially to US political campaigns.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces this statute by imposing civil fines on those who violate the law. Criminal liability is also a possibility, with individuals who knowingly and willingly accept foreign contributions potentially referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution. The DOJ can also prosecute these cases independently without an FEC referral.

While foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing financially to US political campaigns, they may lawfully engage in certain political activities that are not connected with any election to political office at the federal, state, or local levels. For example, foreign nationals can attend and speak at campaign events for a federal candidate and solicit contributions to the campaign, as long as they do not participate in any decision-making processes. Additionally, foreign nationals can provide volunteer services to a campaign, such as uncompensated musical performances at fundraising events, as long as they do not participate in any decision-making.

It is important to note that the prohibition on foreign national contributions applies to all US elections, including the 2/4-year presidential and congressional election cycles. As such, foreign nationals should exercise caution and seek legal counsel before engaging in any political activities related to US elections.

Foreign nationals can provide volunteer services to US political campaigns

However, there are some exceptions to these rules. Foreign nationals who are not green card holders can still participate in campaign activities as uncompensated volunteers. In doing so, they must be careful not to participate in the decision-making process of the campaign and should seek legal counsel before getting involved. The definition of "non-compensated" or "uncompensated" volunteer work is vague and has been addressed in a few advisory opinions by the Federal Election Commission. For example, in one case, the FEC ruled that a foreign national organizing a fundraiser for a political campaign was considered "volunteer service."

Foreign national volunteers may attend committee events and campaign strategy meetings but may not be involved in the management of the committee. They can make occasional, isolated, or incidental use of corporate or labor organization facilities for their own individual volunteer activities on behalf of a campaign. For example, a foreign national volunteer can use an office phone to make calls related to political volunteer work for up to one hour per week or four hours per month without reimbursing the organization for the use of the facilities.

It is important to note that the federal election prohibition against contributions by foreign nationals applies to all US elections, including federal, state, and local elections. As such, foreign nationals should exercise caution and consult legal advice before participating in any political campaign to ensure they do not inadvertently violate any rules or regulations.

Explore related products

The 143rd in Iraq

$7.99 $19.99

Breathes There a Soldier: The World War Ii Memoir of Robert F. Heatley Stateside Training and Pacific Theater Combat 1942–1946: The World War Ii Memoir ... and Pacific Theater Combat 1942–1946

$3.99 $22.95

Aside From Mistakes: A cultural and political journey from Colombia to the United States

$12.99

Recruiting, retaining and promoting culturally different employees

$35.81 $72.99

Stage: The Culinary Internship

$1.99

SponsorshipGuru: 10-Week Sponsorship Challenge: The Ultimate Guide for International Students Seeking Sponsorship in the US

$19.95

Foreign nationals can attend and speak at campaign events

Foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing, donating, or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly. This includes helping foreign nationals violate that ban or soliciting, receiving, or accepting contributions or donations from them. However, there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, green card holders are excluded from the definition of a foreign person and are legally eligible to contribute money and/or services to a U.S. political campaign.

In the context of attending and speaking at campaign events, the FEC (Federal Election Commission) has provided some guidance in its advisory opinions. In Advisory Opinion 2004-26 (Weller), the FEC ruled that a foreign national could attend, speak at campaign events for a federal candidate, and solicit contributions to the campaign. However, it is important to note that the foreign national cannot manage or participate in any of the campaign committee's decision-making processes.

This ruling provides some clarity for foreign nationals who wish to engage in the political process by attending and speaking at campaign events. By allowing foreign nationals to participate in this way, it provides an opportunity for diverse perspectives and ideas to be shared during the campaign. However, it is crucial that foreign nationals do not overstep their boundaries and refrain from making decisions on behalf of the campaign committee.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the FEC has also addressed the nuances of the "non-compensated" rule in its advisory opinions. In Advisory Opinion 1987-25, the FEC allowed a foreign national student to provide uncompensated volunteer services to a presidential campaign. On the other hand, Advisory Opinion 1981-51 prohibited a foreign national artist from donating his services in connection with fundraising for a Senate campaign. These opinions highlight the complexities of the rules governing foreign national involvement in U.S. political campaigns, and it is always advisable for individuals to seek legal counsel before engaging in any political activities.

Foreign nationals can assist in developing intellectual property for political campaigns

Foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing, donating, or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States. This includes indirect contributions and donations. However, foreign nationals with green cards are excluded from this definition and are legally eligible to contribute money and/or services to a U.S. political campaign.

In the context of U.S. elections, a foreign national is defined as any person who is not a U.S. citizen and does not have a green card. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) enforces this statute by imposing civil fines, and in some cases, criminal liability.

Despite these prohibitions, there are some ways in which foreign nationals can engage in the political process. Foreign nationals may lawfully engage in political activity that is not connected with any election to political office at the federal, state, or local levels. For example, in AO 2014-20 (Make Your Laws PAC), the FEC concluded that a foreign national could assist a political action committee (PAC) in developing intellectual property, such as trademarks, graphics, and website design. This would fall under the volunteer exemption.

Additionally, in AO 2004-26 (Weller), the FEC ruled that a foreign national could attend and speak at campaign events for a federal candidate and solicit contributions to the campaign, as long as they do not participate in any decision-making processes. This ruling suggests that foreign nationals can engage in certain activities during political campaigns, as long as they do not hold any decision-making power.

In summary, while foreign nationals are prohibited from contributing funds or donating directly to U.S. political campaigns, they may engage in other activities such as volunteering their services, attending and speaking at campaign events, and soliciting contributions, as long as they do not hold any decision-making power or violate the specific restrictions outlined in the Federal Election Campaign Act.

Frequently asked questions