The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1938, codified at 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq. It requires individuals or entities acting as 'agents of foreign principals'—including those engaged in political activities, lobbying, public relations, or information dissemination on behalf of foreign governments, political parties, corporations, or individuals—to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and publicly disclose their relationships, activities, and financial compensation. The law aims to promote transparency in activities conducted on behalf of foreign interests within the country and curb undisclosed foreign influence on U.S. public opinion and policy, originally passed in response to concerns over Nazi propaganda in the lead-up to World War II.

FARA's enforcement is managed by the DOJ's FARA Unit, responsible for registrations, compliance, and investigations. The Act does not prohibit such activities but mandates detailed filings, including supplemental statements every six months, to ensure public access to information about foreign lobbying efforts. Exemptions exist for certain diplomatic activities, commercial transactions, and religious or academic pursuits. Violations can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Recent amendments and proposed bills, such as the Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act of 2021 and the Retroactive Foreign Agents Registration Act of 2023, seek to strengthen enforcement, clarify retroactive obligations, and address modern challenges like covert influence operations.

The law has been pivotal in high-profile cases involving foreign influence, such as investigations into lobbying for Russian or Chinese interests, and remains a key tool for safeguarding U.S. national security. Despite its importance, enforcement has historically been under-resourced, leading to calls for increased funding and dedicated DOJ sections to handle suspected foreign agents.