Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons in Venezuela

Mar 11, 2015

Summary

Freezes the money and property of and stops U.S. travel for people in Venezuela who harm human rights, are corrupt, or undermine democracy.

What problem does this solve?

The government of Venezuela was weakening human rights, punishing political opponents, and using violence against protestors, which threatened U.S. security. This order puts financial and travel pressure on the individuals responsible for these actions to make them stop.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

States that the situation in Venezuela is an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, declaring a national emergency to address it.

Blocks property and assets

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to people identified as contributing to the crisis in Venezuela. This prevents them from using or moving their assets.

Suspends entry into the United States

Bans individuals who meet the criteria from entering the U.S. as immigrants or visitors, unless the Secretary of State decides their entry is in the national interest.

Identifies individuals for sanctions

Targets people involved in undermining democracy, committing human rights violations, limiting free speech, or engaging in public corruption within the Venezuelan government.

Prohibits donations

Bans giving or receiving donations, funds, goods, or services to or from any person whose property is blocked by this order.

Authorizes government agencies to act

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State the power to create rules and take actions needed to enforce the order.

Who does this affect?

Venezuelan government officials
Individuals in Venezuela involved in human rights abuses or corruption
U.S. persons and companies with financial ties to sanctioned individuals

What is the real world impact?

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Pressures the Venezuelan government

Applies financial and travel sanctions to specific individuals to pressure the Venezuelan government to stop human rights abuses and respect democratic processes.

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Signals a foreign policy stance

Demonstrates the United States' opposition to the actions of the Venezuelan government, setting a clear foreign policy position without direct military or broad economic action.

When does this start?

This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 9, 2015.