Avoid Non-Compliance with OFAC to Prevent Criminal Implications, which may happen absent an Evident Intent

On September 20th, 2019 the U.S. Department of Treasury made many updates on their Iran-specific counter terrorism designations.

If you’ve turned on your television in the past couple months, you’ve probably heard the term “OFAC” thrown around during the evening news by President Trump. Well, OFAC, is basically the department in charge on enforcing these Iranian sanctions.

As xenophobic and national security sentiments continue to manifest in America, it will become increasingly important to understand OFAC and their role in the government.

OFAC is abbreviated for the Office of Foreign Asset Control—the office responsible for enforcing economic and trade sanctions against individuals and foreign companies. On paper, its main goals are to protect the interests of the United States, enforce national security, and fight against terrorism. With its special trade embargo authority granted by federal laws, OFAC often leverages its trade authority in order to accomplish United States’ foreign agendas.

The OFAC has around long before the 21st century, with its history going back as far as the 1950s. In the past, their roles were pretty similar as the organization was founded in order to levy significant penalties against entities that defy US directives, through means such as enforcing fines, freezing assets, and barring parties from operating in the United States.

Today, OFAC is probably known for its infamous “blacklist” of individuals and companies around the world. For those on the blacklist, these individuals and companies are often barred from doing any business, trade, or travel with the United States.

People and companies are added to the blacklist for various reasons, but the most common is if their actions defy United States’ foreign policies or if their actions support terrorism.
OFAC constantly updates the list with individuals and companies throughout the year. Analyzing the records will definitely show patterns of where most individuals and companies have been barred.

To make matters worse, Trump’s political term continues to bring about unprecedented change, OFAC has naturally undergone some changes. More specifically, in light of recent events OFAC has become more fixated on countries such as Iran and North Korea. OFAC intelligence agents have been scrutinizing individuals and companies from those two specific countries.

This is an immigration legal blog. It is not intended to be used as legal advice.

For further information please contact the law offices of attorney Ramona Kennedy.

Ms. Ramona Kennedy received her Jurisprudence Doctorate in America and is a licensed attorney in California (USA). Ramona Kennedy is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She is licensed to practice in US Immigration Courts, California federal Courts of Southern & Central District & the United States Supreme Court.

Ramona Kennedy is fluent in English and Farsi (reading & writing)
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