Strengthening Efforts to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad

9/5/2025

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Purpose: Enhance U.S. national protection abroad by countering wrongful detentions and holding foreign adversaries accountable.
Designation of Offenders: Empowers the Secretary of State to label foreign countries as “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention” if they detain U.S. nationals wrongfully or support such actions.
Response Measures: Enables a range of responses including:
- Imposing sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
- Designation actions under appropriations acts
- Applying inadmissibility provisions via the Immigration and Nationality Act
- Restricting passport usage and travel to/from the offending country
- Limiting or prohibiting foreign assistance and export controls
Termination of Designation: Conditions for removal include release of detained nationals, demonstrable policy changes, credible assurances, or by presidential discretion.
Definitions and Scope: Establishes key definitions (e.g., “government,” “wrongful detention,” “U.S. national”) and extends provisions to non-recognized entities controlling territory.
Rule of Construction and Implementation:
- Ensures no interference with lawful investigative, protective, or intelligence operations
- Clarifies that no legal claim or benefit is enforceable against the United States based on this order
- Mandates adherence to applicable law and budgetary constraints, with publication costs borne by the Department of State

The Executive Order aims to protect U.S. nationals from wrongful detention abroad, which could impact international collaborations and partnerships. Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its international programs and partnerships, especially in countries that could be designated as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention.
There is a risk that increased sanctions and travel restrictions could affect students and faculty involved in international research or study abroad programs. This may lead to disruptions in academic activities and collaborations.
The designation of certain countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention could lead to geopolitical tensions, potentially affecting the safety and security of Vanderbilt’s international students and faculty.
Vanderbilt University may need to enhance its support systems for students and faculty traveling abroad, ensuring they are aware of potential risks and have access to resources in case of emergencies.

International Studies Program may need to adjust its curriculum and partnerships to align with the new geopolitical landscape and ensure the safety of its participants.
Office of Global Safety and Security could play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to students and faculty traveling to or from countries affected by the Executive Order.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to offer additional resources and support for international students who may be impacted by travel restrictions or geopolitical tensions.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with foreign universities and research institutions may need to be reevaluated to ensure compliance with the new Executive Order and to mitigate potential risks.

The imposition of sanctions and travel restrictions could lead to decreased international student enrollment, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal grants prioritize research and initiatives related to national security and international relations.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in international law and policy, particularly through collaborations with the Department of State and other federal agencies.
As geopolitical tensions rise, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and international collaborations.)

Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Safety and Security should enhance its monitoring and advisory services for students and faculty traveling abroad, particularly to countries that may be designated as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention. This will ensure that the university community is informed of potential risks and can take necessary precautions.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with policymakers to understand the implications of the executive order on international collaborations and partnerships. This will help Vanderbilt navigate any restrictions or sanctions that may affect its global initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should review and update policies related to international travel and collaborations to ensure compliance with new federal guidelines and sanctions that may arise from this executive order.
The Department of Political Science could conduct research on the geopolitical impacts of the executive order, providing insights into how these policies might affect international relations and global security dynamics. This research can be shared with the broader academic and policy-making community.

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to host forums and discussions on the implications of wrongful detention policies. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the center can contribute to the national dialogue on international human rights and security.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international law and diplomacy to offer training and workshops for students and professionals on navigating the complexities of international travel and legal frameworks in light of the executive order.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to ensure compliance and safety in international engagements.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

N/A – No specific deadlines or timelines for implementation are mentioned in the order.

Relevance Score: 1

Department of State: Charged with designating foreign countries that engage in or support wrongful detention of U.S. nationals, and with coordinating subsequent responses such as sanctions, travel restrictions, and export controls.
Department of Homeland Security: Involved in enforcing inadmissibility measures under the Immigration and Nationality Act by coordinating with the State Department on restricting travel and other related actions.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Its authority is explicitly protected to ensure that budgetary, administrative, and legislative proposals remain unaffected by the implementation of this order.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three key Federal Agencies are impacted by the directives in this order.)

Secretary of State – Responsible for designating foreign countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention, reviewing authorities, and implementing the directed responses including sanctions, travel restrictions, and export controls.
Department of Homeland Security – To be coordinated with by the Secretary of State on the application of inadmissibility measures under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts Cabinet-level officials with significant foreign policy and national security responsibilities.)