Bolstering Efforts To Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home

Jul 21, 2022

Summary

Creates new tools, like sanctions, to punish hostage-takers and better coordinate government efforts to bring wrongfully held Americans home safely.

What problem does this solve?

Foreign groups and governments are taking Americans hostage or wrongfully detaining them to gain power or concessions. This order declares a national emergency and allows the U.S. to place sanctions on and deny entry to those responsible, deterring these acts.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

States that hostage-taking and wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad is an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Authorizes sanctions on captors

Allows the government to block the property and financial interests of any foreign person involved in taking U.S. nationals hostage or wrongfully detaining them.

Imposes travel bans

Suspends entry into the United States for any noncitizen who is found to be involved in hostage-taking or wrongful detention.

Expands government coordination

Directs the Hostage Response Group (HRG) and the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) to coordinate strategies and diplomatic efforts for wrongful detention cases.

Increases family support

Requires the government to provide coordinated support and assistance to the families of wrongfully detained U.S. nationals during and after the detention.

Who does this affect?

U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad
Families of hostages and detainees
Foreign governments and groups involved in detentions

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens government response

Improves coordination between different government agencies to create a more unified and effective strategy for freeing detained Americans.

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Increases support for families

Ensures families of hostages and detainees receive consistent information and support from the U.S. government throughout the ordeal and upon their return.

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Creates new punishments for captors

Authorizes financial sanctions and travel bans against foreign individuals and groups involved in taking Americans hostage, creating real consequences for their actions.

When does this start?

This executive order takes effect as of its signing date, July 19, 2022.