Helping U.S. Citizens Abroad During a Crisis: Role of the Department of State

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1149192 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks prompted the Department of State (DOS) to review its warning systems for Americans overseas for any possible improvements, a senior Diplomatic Security official testified on December 8. Such systems are used to communicate threat information when Americans find themselves confronted by a crisis in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster, heightened terrorist threat, or the outbreak of war. The Department of State is required by law to provide a range of threat-related services to Americans abroad. In all but the most extreme situations, the department will serve primarily in an information-distribution role. However, when the departure of U.S. citizens is advised, additional assistance may be provided.

Author(s):
Tiersky, Alex
Author Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service
Funding Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, Washington , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2016 Jan 20
Pagination:
3

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
department of state, law, emergencies, natural disasters, security, congress, governments, terrorists, disasters, evacuation, overseas, united states, warning systems, infrastructure, lessons learned, observers
Keyword(s):
u.s. citizens, overseas travel, step(smart traveler enrollment program)
Subject Categories:
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Creation Date:
2021 Oct 05
Update Date:
2021 Oct 13