Office of Foreign Missions

Our Mission

The Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) is responsible for implementing the Secretary’s mandate under the Foreign Missions Act (22 U.S.C. 4301-4316 as amended). The Foreign Missions Act was enacted to affirm and enhance the President’s constitutional authority to regulate the activities of foreign missions operating in the United States. OFM’s enforcement of the Act ensures reciprocal treatment and secure operations for United States diplomatic and consular missions abroad, as well as providing a means for safeguarding critical national interests at home. OFM exercises this authority in a manner that is consistent with United States law and that will protect the foreign policy and other interests of the United States. Actions taken pursuant to the Act are made with due consideration for the reciprocal benefits, privileges, and immunities provided to United States missions in the country represented by the foreign mission concerned, and for the national security and other interests of the United States, including carrying out its international obligations.