National Security Laws
Nonprofits and activists have increasingly had to navigate counterterrorism, foreign influence, and other national security laws that can chill First Amendment protected activity. At the same time, state and federal lawmakers have sought to expand these laws, raising constitutional concerns. The U.S. Program tracks and analyzes these laws so that civil society can better understand and navigate these laws, as well as better advocate for their First Amendment rights.
Domestic Terrorism
State-Level Terrorism Designation Laws and U.S. Nonprofits
This briefer examines recent state laws authorizing the designation of domestic organizations as “terrorist” entities and how they may affect U.S. nonprofits and their supporters.
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Federal Terrorism Law and U.S. Civil Society: An Explainer
This briefer summarizes select federal terrorism offenses and designations that may be relevant to U.S. nonprofits and activists.
State Domestic Terrorism Laws in the United States: Database
State domestic terrorism laws have been weaponized to target protesters and activists. This first of its kind database provides information about all state domestic terrorism laws in the United States.
State Domestic Terrorism Laws in the United States: Report
This report draws on ICNL’s state domestic terrorism tracker to warn about the chilling impact these laws can have for U.S. civil society and to provide key takeaways for policymakers.
Foreign Influence Laws
U.S. Foreign Influence Laws
This page compiles resources on how state and federal laws, like the Foreign Agents Registration Act, can be used to target nonprofits, activists, and others.
Navigating the Foreign Agents Registration Act
This briefer provides an overview of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and shares steps nonprofits can take to navigate the Act.
Reforming the Foreign Agents Registration Act to Protect U.S. Nonprofits
This briefer describes the dangers the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) poses to U.S. nonprofits and the need for comprehensive FARA reform.
State Foreign Influence Legislation
A number of US states have introduced or enacted either foreign influence registration laws that impact nonprofits or new restrictions on charitable solicitation based on foreign influence. This tracker follows such state bills introduced since 2024.
Read MoreRacketeering
The Federal RICO Act: An Explainer
This briefer provides a short explanation of the Federal RICO Act and key guardrails against its overbroad use, including First Amendment protections.
State Racketeering Laws in the U.S.
In addition to the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, 38 states have racketeering laws. This page provides a list of state laws on racketeering, with links to the relevant statutes.
