Who are considered foreign nationals in the United States?

Who is considered a foreign national depends a lot on the context of the situation? Generally, like we stated here, people with permanent residence are not usually regarded as foreign nationals.

For instance, the Federal Election Commission Act generally prevents foreign nationals from participating in the United States election process either through donations or by standing for elections.

The category of foreign nationals it prohibits are:

● Foreign citizens (dual citizens are not included);

● Immigrants who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence;

● Foreign governments;

● Foreign political parties;

● Foreign corporations;

● Foreign associations;

● Foreign partnerships; and

● Any other foreign principal, as defined at 22 U.S.C. § 611(b), which includes a foreign organization or “other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country.”  

The act here specifically excludes permanent residents from the list above. It also provides that permanent residents of the United States can make campaign donations to elections at the Federal, State and Local levels.