Blocking Property of the Government of Venezuela

Aug 7, 2019

Summary

Freezes all assets of the Venezuelan government in the U.S. and stops people who support them from entering the country.

What problem does this solve?

The government of Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro is taking power unfairly and abusing human rights. This order freezes all property of the Venezuelan government in the U.S. and bans its supporters from entering the country to put pressure on them.

What does this order do?

Blocks all Venezuelan government property

Freezes all property and assets of the Government of Venezuela that are in the United States or controlled by U.S. persons.

Suspends U.S. entry for certain individuals

Stops people who have helped the Venezuelan government from entering the United States as immigrants or nonimmigrants.

Sanctions supporters of the Venezuelan government

Blocks the property of any person or company found to have provided significant support to the Government of Venezuela or anyone else sanctioned under this order.

Prohibits contributions

Forbids making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods, or services to or from any person whose property is blocked by this order.

Allows for humanitarian aid

Exempts transactions for food, clothing, and medicine intended to relieve human suffering from the sanctions.

Defines 'Government of Venezuela'

Specifies that the term includes the state, its agencies, the Central Bank of Venezuela, and the state oil company, PdVSA.

Who does this affect?

Government of Venezuela
Individuals and companies supporting the Maduro regime
U.S. persons with business in Venezuela

What is the real world impact?

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Supports the opposition government

Aims to weaken the Maduro regime and strengthen the position of Interim President Juan Guaido and the Venezuelan National Assembly.

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Applies economic pressure

Uses financial sanctions to pressure the Maduro regime to change its behavior regarding human rights and its hold on power.

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Restricts travel for regime supporters

Prevents individuals who support or act on behalf of the Maduro government from entering the United States, isolating them internationally.

When does this start?

This order went into effect at 9:00 a.m. EDT on August 5, 2019.