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USA Federal Legislation Simplified

The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization

E.O. 13936
Jul 17, 2020
E.O. 13936
Jul 17, 2020

Summary

Removes Hong Kong's special status with the United States because China has reduced its freedom, and places penalties on those involved.

What problem does this solve?

China passed a new national security law that took away the freedom and self-rule it had promised to the people of Hong Kong. This order removes the special relationship the U.S. had with Hong Kong, treating it the same as mainland China and punishing those responsible.

What does this order do?

Ends Hong Kong's preferential treatment
Establishes the official U.S. policy to stop giving Hong Kong special treatment that is different from mainland China.
Declares a national emergency
States that China's actions to undermine Hong Kong's freedom are an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
Blocks property of certain individuals
Freezes the U.S. assets of any person involved in creating or enforcing the new national security law in Hong Kong or undermining its democracy.
Suspends entry into the United States
Bans individuals who are sanctioned under this order, as well as their immediate family members, from entering the U.S.
Changes immigration rules
Removes laws that gave Hong Kong its own separate quota for immigration, treating it the same as China. It also ends the preference for Hong Kong passport holders.
Restricts exports of defense and technology items
Ends special permissions for exporting controlled items to Hong Kong, making the rules the same as those for mainland China.
Cancels international agreements
Starts the process to suspend the agreement for surrendering fugitive offenders and terminate the agreement for transferring sentenced persons with Hong Kong.
Terminates the Fulbright exchange program
Takes steps to end the Fulbright exchange program for future participants traveling to or from both China and Hong Kong.
Ends training for Hong Kong police
Stops providing training for members of the Hong Kong Police Force and other security services at U.S. law enforcement academies.

Who does this affect?

  • People and residents of Hong Kong
  • Chinese and Hong Kong officials
  • Businesses operating in Hong Kong

What is the real world impact?

•
Pressures China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy
Removes the economic and legal benefits Hong Kong received from the U.S. to create consequences for the Chinese government's actions that undermine the region's freedom.
•
Aligns U.S. policy with the new reality in Hong Kong
Recognizes that Hong Kong is no longer independent enough from mainland China to be treated differently under U.S. law, making American policies consistent with the situation on the ground.

When does this start?

This order directs government agencies to begin taking action within 15 days of its signing on July 14, 2020.
Agency action deadline
Within 15 days of July 14, 2020, the heads of all relevant government agencies must begin taking action to carry out the changes described in the order.