Legislation to Restrict Dual Citizenship in U.S. Government Roles and Regulate Foreign Influence in Lobbying

Homeland Security
1

Executive Summary:

This proposal outlines the rationale for prohibiting dual-citizen individuals from serving in elected or appointed positions within the U.S. government and calls for stricter regulations on foreign influence in U.S. politics, specifically targeting organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The document will:

  • Discuss the potential conflicts of interest and security risks associated with dual citizenship in government positions.

  • Propose legislative measures to ban dual citizens from holding office or high-level government positions.

  • Suggest reforms to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to include stringent oversight of lobbying groups with foreign governmental affiliations or influences.

Introduction:

The integrity of U.S. political processes is paramount to maintaining national security and the democratic principle of serving the American public’s interest foremost. However, the presence of dual citizen legislators and the activities of foreign-influenced lobbying groups can lead to divided loyalties and undue foreign influence in U.S. policymaking.

Rationale:

  1. Conflict of Interest:
  • Dual citizenship can create a conflict of interest where the allegiance of an official might be divided between the U.S. and another nation, potentially influencing their decision-making in favor of foreign interests.
  1. National Security:
  • There is an inherent risk that individuals with dual citizenship might be more susceptible to foreign coercion or espionage, especially in sensitive roles.
  1. Lobbying Influence:
  • Organizations like AIPAC, while not officially representing a foreign government, are perceived to significantly influence U.S. policy in favor of foreign interests, which might not align with U.S. national interests.

Proposed Legislation:

A. Ban on Dual Citizenship for Government Officials:

  • Legislative Text: Propose a constitutional amendment or statutory law that:

    • Prohibits any person holding dual citizenship from serving in Congress, the President’s Cabinet, or any federal judicial position.

    • Requires candidates for these offices to renounce any foreign citizenship before taking office.

  • Implementation:

    • Disclosure Requirement: All candidates for federal office must declare their citizenship status, including any held foreign nationalities.

    • Verification Process: Establish a process by the Department of State or another appropriate body to verify citizenship status.

B. Reform of Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA):

  • Legislative Text:

    • Expand FARA to cover any organization that lobbies on behalf of policies or entities that might benefit a foreign state, even if not directly acting on behalf of that state’s government.

    • Require explicit disclosure when a lobbying group’s activities might benefit a foreign government, regardless of its official status.

  • Penalties:

    • Fines: Significant financial penalties for organizations found to be in violation of these expanded FARA requirements.

    • De-registration: Loss of tax-exempt status or ability to lobby for repeated or severe violations.

    • Criminal Charges: For individuals or organizations that intentionally hide foreign influence, penalties could include imprisonment or personal fines.

C. Enforcement and Oversight:

  • Establish an Oversight Committee: A bipartisan committee within Congress or a new independent agency to monitor compliance with these laws, focusing on:

    • Regular audits of lobbying activities.

    • Investigations into potential conflicts of interest among officials.

  • Public Reporting: Mandate public reporting of all interactions and financial dealings between government officials and foreign-influenced lobbying groups.

Conclusion:

By implementing these legislative changes, the U.S. can safeguard its political process against undue foreign influence and ensure that elected officials prioritize American interests. This proposal aims to foster transparency, reduce potential conflicts of interest, and enhance national security.

References:

  • Discussions on FARA and political lobbying, as outlined in various sources including OpenSecrets, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

  • Social media sentiment reflecting public concern over dual citizenship in government, as seen on X.

  • Case studies of how other countries address dual citizenship in public office.

This legislative package requires careful consideration and broad support to ensure it aligns with constitutional principles while addressing the outlined concerns. It should be crafted to withstand legal challenges and be politically feasible in the current climate.

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