United States Department of Justice - FARA Unit
Government Body·government·AI Enriched
Relationships:1
Events:3
Library:3
Confidence:
95%
Key Facts
Type
Government Body
Sector
government
Industry
Not specified
Status
Draft
Country
United States
Headquarters
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Founded
Not specified
Dissolved
Active
Email
fara.public@usdoj.gov
Phone
(202) 233-0776
Also Known As
DOJ FARA UnitFARA Registration Unit
Tags
foreign agent registrationnational securitycounterintelligencetransparencylobbying disclosure
Overall Confidence
95%
Internal Notes
No notes
Key Information
Leadership
No leadership added
Positions
No positions added
Government Level
Federal
Branch
Executive
Country (if foreign)
Not applicable
Parent Agency
Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, United States Department of Justice
Jurisdiction
United States (nationwide)
About
The FARA Unit of the U.S. Department of Justice administers and enforces the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA, 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq.), enacted on June 8, 1938, which requires disclosure by agents of foreign principals engaged in political activities, lobbying, public relations, or other specified activities within the United States. Enforcement has intensified since 2016, resulting in a 30% increase in registrations and over 500 active registrants as of November 2022. The unit issues Letters of Inquiry to ensure compliance and pursues administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions. It cannot discuss ongoing investigations.
Key Relationships
AI
American Israel Education Foundation
foreign_agent_of
Critics and watchdog groups argue that AIEF, through its direct coordination with AIPAC and its role in advancing the policy agenda of a foreign government (Israel), functions as an agent of a foreign principal. Its activities—particularly taking lawmakers to meet with Israeli officials to align U.S. policy with Israel's goals—fit the definition of activities that should trigger FARA registration for transparency.
Recent Events
Over 500 active FARA registrants reported
As of November 2022, there were over 500 active FARA registrants
11/1/2022
FARA enforcement intensified
Enforcement of FARA has intensified, resulting in a 30% increase in registrations
1/1/2016
Foreign Agents Registration Act enacted
FARA (22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq.) was enacted, requiring disclosure by agents of foreign principals engaged in political activities, lobbying, public relations, or other specified activities within the United States
6/8/1938