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The United States Government Manual
Department of State
2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20520
202-647-4000
http://www.state.gov
| SECRETARY OF STATE | Michael R. Pompeo |
| Counselor of the Department | T. Ulrich Brechbuhl |
| Executive Secretary | Lisa D. Kenna |
| DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE | Stephen E. Biegun |
| Director, Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance | James L. Richardson |
| DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES | (vacancy) |
Bureaus Reporting to the Secretary
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Intelligence and Research | Ellen E. McCarthy |
| Legislative Affairs | Mary Elizabeth Taylor |
Offices Reporting to the Secretary
| AMBASSADORS-AT-LARGE | |
| Coordinating U.S. Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS | Deborah L. Birx |
| Global Women's Issues | Kelley E. Currie |
| DIRECTORS | |
| Civil Rights | Gregory B. Smith |
| Policy Planning | Peter Berkowitz |
| Chief of Protocol | Katherine C. Henderson |
| Legal Adviser | Marik A. String, Acting |
Special Envoys and Representatives Reporting to the Secretary
| PRESIDENTIAL ENVOYS | |
| Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS | James F. Jeffrey |
| Hostage Affairs | Roger D. Carstens |
| REPRESENTATIVES | |
| Afghanistan Reconciliation | Zalmay M. Khalilzad |
| Global Health Diplomacy | Deborah L. Birx |
| Iran | Brian H. Hook |
| North Korea | Stephen E. Biegun |
| Syria Engagement | James F. Jeffrey |
| Venezuela | Elliott Abrams |
Arms Control and International Security
| UNDERSECRETARY | (vacancy) |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Arms Control, Verification and Compliance | Thomas G. DiNanno |
| International Security and Nonproliferation | Christopher A. Ford |
| Political–Military Affairs | R. Clarke Cooper |
Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
| UNDERSECRETARY | Nathan A. Sales, Acting |
| AMBASSADORS–AT–LARGE | |
| Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism | Nathan A. Sales |
| Global Criminal Justice | Morse H. Tan |
| International Religious Freedom | Samuel D. Brownback |
| Monitoring and Combating Trafficking in Persons | John C. Richmond |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Conflict and Stabilization Operations | Denise Natali |
| Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor | Robert A. Destro |
| International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs | Kirsten D. Madison |
| Population, Refugees, and Migration | Carol O'Connell, Acting |
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment
| UNDERSECRETARY | Keith J. Krach |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Economic and Business Affairs | Manisha Singh |
| Energy Resources | Francis R. Fannon |
| Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs | (vacancy) |
| Chief Economist | Sharon Brown-Hruska |
| Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary | Mung Chiang |
Management
| UNDERSECRETARY | Brian J. Bulatao |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Administration | Carrie B. Cabelka |
| Consular Affairs | Carl C. Risch |
| Diplomatic Security | Michael T. Evanoff |
| Information Resource Management | Stuart M. McGuigan |
| CHIEF OFFICERS | |
| Information | Stuart M. McGuigan |
| Medical | Mark J. Cohen |
| DIRECTORS | |
| Budget and Planning | Douglas A. Pitkin |
| Foreign Missions | Stephen J. Akard |
| Foreign Service Institute | Daniel B. Smith |
| Global Financial Services | Jeffrey C. Mounts, Acting |
| Global Talent | Carol Z. Perez |
| Management Strategy and Solutions | James S. Schwab |
| Medical Services | Mark J. Cohen |
| Overseas Buildings Operations | Addison D. Davis IV |
| Comptroller | Jeffrey C. Mounts, Acting |
| Director General of the Foreign Service | Carol Z. Perez |
Political Affairs
| UNDERSECRETARY | David M. Hale |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| African Affairs | Tibor P. Nagy, Jr. |
| East Asian and Pacific Affairs | David R. Stilwell |
| European and Eurasian Affairs | Philip T. Reeker, Acting |
| International Organization Affairs | Pamela D. Pryor, Acting |
| Near Eastern Affairs | David K. Schenker |
| South and Central Asian Affairs | (vacancy) |
| Western Hemisphere Affairs | Michael G. Kozak, Acting |
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
| UNDERSECRETARY | (vacancy) |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARIES | |
| Global Public Affairs | Nicole A. Chulick, Acting |
| Educational and Cultural Affairs | Marie T. Royce |
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
799 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
| AMBASSADORS | |
| Representative of the U.S.A. | Kelly Knight Craft |
| Deputy Representative of the U.S.A. | Cherith Norman Chalet, Acting |
| United Nations Management and Reform | Cherith Norman Chalet |
| Inspector General | (vacancy) |
The above list of key personnel was updated 6–2020.
The Department of State advises the President on issues of foreign policy; supports democracy, freedom, and prosperity for all people; and fosters conditions that favor stability and progress worldwide.
ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANIZATION
The First Congress of the United States held its first session in the City of New York, starting on March 4, 1789, and ending on September 29, 1789. By act of July 27, 1789 (Statute I, Ch. IV), which President George Washington signed, the U.S. Congress enacted the establishment of an executive department "to be denominated the Department of Foreign Affairs."
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/statutes-at-large/1st-congress/c1.pdfDuring the same session, by act of September 15, 1789 (Statute I, Ch. XIV), which President George Washington also signed, the First Congress renamed the Department of Foreign Affairs as the Department of State, and its principal officer became known as the Secretary of State.
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/statutes-at-large/1st-congress/c1.pdfSubject matter on the establishment and organization of the Department of State is consolidated and codified in Title 22, Chapter 38, of the U.S. Code (Sec. 2651 and 2651a).
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title22/chapter38&edition=prelimBy the advice and with the consent of the Senate, the President appoints the Secretary of State, the Deputy Secretary of State, and the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. By the Senate's advice and with its consent, the President also appoints, up to a maximum of six, the Department's Undersecretaries (22 USC 2651a).
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title22-section2651a&num=0&edition=prelimThe Department of State's statement of organization is found in 22 CFR 5.
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9fcaa112da47aad8595acce6fd09ca0e&mc=true&node=pt22.1.5&rgn=div5The Department's organizational chart is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) for viewing and downloading.
https://www.state.gov/department-of-state-organization-chartACTIVITIES
The Secretary of State directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. foreign relations and the interdepartmental activities of the U.S. Government abroad. The Secretary ranks first in importance among the President's foreign affairs advisers, serves as a Cabinet member and on the National Security Council, and oversees State Department operations, including the Foreign Service.
http://www.state.gov/secretaryThe future of the United States depends on the relations that its has with other countries. The U.S. Foreign Service is the principal cultivator of those relations. Trained representatives stationed worldwide provide the President and the Secretary of State with many of the building blocks from which foreign policy is constructed. These representatives also offer recommendations to help guide the process of policy building.
Ambassadors are the personal representatives of the President and report to the President through the Secretary of State. Ambassadors have full responsibility for implementation of U.S. foreign policy by U.S. Government personnel within their country of assignment, except those who are under military commands. Responsibilities include negotiating agreements between the United States and the host country, explaining and disseminating official U.S. policy, and maintaining cordial relations with that country's government and people.
Administration
The Bureau of Administration provides support programs and services to Department of State operations worldwide, as well as programs and services to other U.S. Government agencies represented at U.S. Embassies and consulates. These functions include administrative policy; domestic emergency management; management of owned or leased facilities in the United States; procurement, supply, travel, and transportation support; classified pouch, unclassified pouch, and domestic mail distribution; official records, publishing, library, and foreign language interpreting and translating services; and support to the schools abroad that educate dependents of U.S. Government employees assigned to diplomatic and consular missions. Direct services to the public include authenticating documents used abroad for legal and business purposes; responding to requests under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts; providing the electronic reading room for public reference to State Department records; and determining use of the diplomatic reception rooms of the Harry S. Truman headquarters building in Washington, DC.
https://www.state.gov/about-us-bureau-of-administrationArms Control, Verification, and Compliance
The Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance is responsible for ensuring and verifying compliance with international arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments. The Bureau also leads negotiation and implementation efforts with respect to strategic arms control, most recently the new START Treaty and conventional forces in Europe. The Bureau is the principal policy representative to the intelligence community with regard to verification and compliance matters and uses this role to promote, preserve, and enhance key collection and analytic capabilities and to ensure that intelligence verification, compliance, and implementation requirements are met. The Bureau staffs and manages treaty implementation commissions, creates negotiation and implementation policy for agreements and commitments, and develops policy for future arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament arrangements. It also provides secure government-to-government communication linkages with foreign treaty partners. The Bureau is also responsible for preparing verifiability assessments on proposals and agreements, and reporting these to Congress as required. The Bureau also prepares the "President's Annual Report to Congress on Adherence to and Compliance With Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments," as well as the reports required by the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act.
http://www.state.gov/t/avcBudget and Planning
The Bureau of Budget and Planning manages budgeting and resource management for operation accounts.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-budget-and-planningComptroller and Global Financial Services
The Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, led by the Chief Financial Officer, integrates strategic planning, budgeting, and performance to secure departmental resources. The Bureau manages all departmental strategic and performance planning; global financial services, including accounting, disbursing, and payroll; issuance of financial statements and oversight of the Department's management control program; coordination of national security resources and remediation of vulnerabilities within the Department's global critical infrastructure; and management of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services Program.
http://www.state.gov/m/cgfsConflict and Stabilization Operations
The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations advances U.S. national security by driving integrated, civilian-led efforts to prevent, respond to, and stabilize crises in priority states, setting conditions for long-term peace. The Bureau emphasizes sustainable solutions guided by local dynamics and actors and promotes unity of effort, strategic use of scarce resources, and burden sharing with international partners.
http://www.state.gov/j/csoConsular Affairs
The Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for the protection and welfare of American citizens and interests abroad; the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the immigration and nationality laws insofar as they concern the Department of State and Foreign Service; the issuance of passports and visas; and related services. Approximately 18 million passports a year are issued by the Bureau's Office of Passport Services at the processing centers in Portsmouth, NH, and Charleston, SC, and the regional agencies in Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Aurora, CO; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Norwalk, CT; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; and Washington, DC. In addition, the Bureau helps secure America's borders against entry by terrorists or narcotraffickers, facilitates international adoptions, and supports parents whose children have been abducted abroad.
http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.htmlCounterterrorism
The Bureau of Counterterrorism leads the Department in the U.S. Government's effort to counter terrorism abroad and secure the United States against foreign terrorist threats. To carry out its mission, the Bureau develops and implements counterterrorism strategies, promotes international cooperation on counterterrorism issues, serves as the Department’s key link on counterterrorism to the Department of Homeland Security, focuses efforts to counter violent extremism, and develops international partner counterterrorism capacity.
http://www.state.gov/j/ctDemocracy, Human Rights, and Labor
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is responsible for developing and implementing U.S. policy on democracy, human rights, labor, religious freedom, monitoring and combating anti-Semitism, and advocating for inclusion of people with disabilities. DRL practices diplomatic engagement and advocacy to protect human rights and strengthen democratic institutions. Working with governments, civil society, and multilateral organizations to support democratic governance and human rights, the Bureau also participates in multi-stakeholder initiatives to encourage multinational corporations to adhere to human rights standards of conduct, including the elimination of child labor. DRL fulfills the USG reporting responsibilities on human rights and democracy, producing the annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," the annual "International Religious Freedom" report, and the "Advancing Freedom and Democracy" report. Providing targeted program assistance through the Human Rights and Democracy Fund and other funding streams, the Bureau works to protect human rights and strengthen democratic institutions around the world. DRL programs help prosecute war criminals, promote religious freedom, support workers' rights, encourage accountability in governance, as well as facilitate freedom of expression and freedom to access information on the Internet. The Bureau also has a Congressionally mandated responsibility to ensure that foreign military assistance and training is not provided to gross violators of human rights. DRL leads the Secretary of State's Task Force on Global Internet Freedom.
http://www.state.gov/j/drlDiplomatic Security
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security provides a secure environment to promote U.S. interests at home and abroad. The Bureau's mission includes protecting the Secretary of State and other senior Government officials, resident and visiting foreign dignitaries, and foreign missions in the United States; conducting criminal, counterintelligence, and personnel security investigations; ensuring the integrity of international travel documents, sensitive information, classified processing equipment, and management information systems; the physical and technical protection of domestic and overseas facilities of the Department of State; providing professional law enforcement and security training to U.S. and foreign personnel; and a comprehensive, multifaceted overseas security program serving the needs of U.S. missions and resident U.S. citizens and business communities. Through the Office of Foreign Missions, the Bureau regulates the domestic activities of the foreign diplomatic community in the areas of taxation, real property acquisitions, motor vehicle operation, domestic travel, and customs processing.
http://www.state.gov/m/dsEconomic and Business Affairs
The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB) promotes international trade, investment, economic development, and financial stability on behalf of the American people. EB works to build prosperity and economic security at home and abroad by implementing policy related to the promotion of U.S. trade, investment and exports, international development and reconstruction, intellectual property enforcement, terrorism financing and economic sanctions, international communications and information policy, and aviation and maritime affairs. EB formulates and carries out U.S. foreign economic policy and works to sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world.
http://www.state.gov/e/ebEducational and Cultural Affairs
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the principal provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (the Fulbright-Hays Act), including U.S. international educational and cultural exchange programs. These programs include the prestigious Fulbright Program for students, scholars, and teachers; the International Visitor Leadership Program, which brings leaders and future leaders from other countries to the United States for consultation with their professional colleagues; and professional, youth, sports, and cultural exchanges. Programs are implemented through cooperative relationships with U.S. nongovernmental organizations that support the Bureau's mission.
http://exchanges.state.govEnergy Resources
The Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) leads the State Department in the U.S. Government’s promotion of U.S. and international energy policy. ENR works to ensure that international energy markets are secure and predictable in order to mitigate potential disruptions, while also working with international partners to diversify U.S. energy supplies. The Bureau also seeks to encourage the transformation of United States and world production and consumption of energy to confront the limits of a hydrocarbon-based society and rapid increases in energy demand. ENR works to promote good governance, transparency, and reform of energy sectors globally, which will help broaden energy access, further ensure stable energy supplies, and reduce political instability.
http://www.state.gov/e/enrForeign Service Institute
The Foreign Service Institute of the Department of State is the Federal Government's primary foreign affairs-related training institution. In addition to the Department of State, the Institute provides training for more than 47 other Government agencies. The Institute has more than 700 courses, including some 70 foreign language courses, ranging in length from 1 day to 2 years. The courses are designed to promote successful performance in each professional assignment, to ease the adjustment to other countries and cultures, and to enhance the leadership and management capabilities of the foreign affairs community.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/foreign-service-instituteInformation Resource Management
The Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) provides the Department with the information technology it needs to carry out U.S. diplomacy in the information age. The IRM Bureau is led by the Department's Chief Information Officer. IRM establishes effective information resource management planning and policies; ensures availability of information technology systems and operations, including information technology contingency planning, to support the Department's diplomatic, consular, and management operations; exercises management responsibility to ensure the Department's information resources meet the business requirements of the Department and provide an effective basis for knowledge sharing and collaboration within the Department and with other foreign affairs agencies and partners; exercises delegated approving authority for the Secretary of State for the development and administration of the Department's computer and information security programs and policies.
http://www.state.gov/m/irmInspector General
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts independent audits, inspections, and investigations to promote effective management, accountability, and positive change in the Department of State, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), and the foreign affairs community. OIG provides leadership to promote integrity, efficiency, effectiveness, and economy; prevents and detects waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement; identifies vulnerabilities and recommends constructive solutions; offers expert assistance to improve Department and BBG operations; communicates timely, useful information that facilitates decision-making and achieves measurable gains; and keeps the Department, BBG, and Congress informed.
https://oig.state.govIntelligence and Research
The primary mission of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) is to harness intelligence to serve U.S. diplomacy. Drawing on all-source intelligence, INR provides value-added independent analysis of events to Department policymakers, ensures that intelligence activities support foreign policy and national security purposes, and serves as the focal point in the Department for ensuring policy review of sensitive counterintelligence and law enforcement activities. The Bureau also analyzes geographical and international boundary issues. INR is a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and serves as the Community’s Executive Agent for Analytical Outreach.
http://www.state.gov/s/inrInternational Narcotics and Law Enforcement
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is responsible for developing policies and managing programs to combat and counter international narcotics production and trafficking, and for strengthening law enforcement and other rule of law institutional capabilities outside the United States. The Bureau also directs narcotics control coordinators at posts abroad and provides guidance on narcotics control, justice sector reform, and anticrime matters to the chiefs of missions. It supports the development of strong, sustainable criminal justice systems as well as training for police force and judicial officials. INL works closely with a broad range of other U.S. Government agencies.
http://www.state.gov/j/inlInternational Organizations
The Bureau of International Organization Affairs provides guidance and support for U.S. participation in international organizations and conferences and formulates and implements U.S. policy toward international organizations, with particular emphasis on those organizations which make up the United Nations system. It provides direction in the development, coordination, and implementation of U.S. multilateral policy.
http://www.state.gov/p/ioInternational Security and Nonproliferation
The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), is responsible for managing a broad range of nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and arms control functions. ISN leads U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological weapons) related materials, and their delivery systems. It is responsible for spearheading efforts to promote international consensus on weapons of mass destruction proliferation through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy; addressing weapons of mass destruction proliferation threats posed by nonstate actors and terrorist groups by improving physical security, using interdiction and sanctions, and actively participating in the Proliferation Security Initiative; coordinating the implementation of key international treaties and arrangements, working to make them relevant to today's security challenges; working closely with the U.N., the G–8, NATO, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other international institutions and organizations to reduce and eliminate the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction; and supporting efforts of foreign partners to prevent, protect against, and respond to the threat or use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists.
http://www.state.gov/t/isnLegal Adviser
The Office of the Legal Adviser advises the Secretary of State and other Department officials on all domestic and international legal matters relating to the Department of State, Foreign Service, and diplomatic and consular posts abroad. The Office's lawyers draft, negotiate, and interpret treaties, international agreements, domestic statutes, departmental regulations, Executive orders, and other legal documents; provide guidance on international and domestic law; represent the United States in international organization, negotiation, and treaty commission meetings; work on domestic and foreign litigation affecting the Department's interests; and represent the United States before international tribunals, including the International Court of Justice.
http://www.state.gov/s/lLegislative Affairs
The Bureau of Legislative Affairs coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State and advises the Secretary, the Deputy, as well as the Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries on legislative strategy. The Bureau facilitates effective communication between State Department officials and the Members of Congress and their staffs. Legislative Affairs works closely with the authorizing, appropriations, and oversight committees of the House and Senate, as well as with individual Members that have an interest in State Department or foreign policy issues. The Bureau also manages Department testimony before House and Senate hearings, organizes Member and staff briefings, facilitates congressional travel to overseas posts for Members and staff throughout the year, reviews proposed legislation, and coordinates Statements of Administration Policy on legislation affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The Legislative Affairs staff advises individual Bureaus of the Department on legislative and outreach strategies and coordinates those strategies with the Secretary's priorities.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/bureaus-and-offices-reporting-directly-to-the-secretary/bureau-of-legislative-affairsMedical Services
The Office of Medical Services (MED) develops, manages, and staffs a worldwide primary health care system for U.S. Government employees and their eligible dependents residing overseas. In support of its overseas operations, MED approves and monitors the medical evacuation of patients, conducts pre-employment and in-service physical clearance examinations, and provides clinical referral and advisory services. MED also provides for emergency medical response in the event of a crisis at an overseas post.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-medical-servicesOceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) serves as the foreign policy focal point for international oceans, as well as environmental and scientific efforts. OES projects, protects, and promotes U.S. global interests in these areas by articulating U.S. foreign policy, encouraging international cooperation, and negotiating treaties and other instruments of international law. The Bureau serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary of State on international environment, science, and technology matters and takes the lead in coordinating and brokering diverse interests in the interagency process, where the development of international policies or the negotiation and implementation of relevant international agreements are concerned. The Bureau seeks to promote the peaceful exploitation of outer space, develop and coordinate policy on international health issues, encourage government-to-government scientific cooperation, and prevent the destruction and degradation of the planet's natural resources and the global environment.
http://www.state.gov/e/oesOverseas Buildings Operations
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) directs the worldwide overseas buildings program for the Department of State and the U.S. Government community serving abroad under the authority of the chiefs of mission. Along with the input and support of other State Department bureaus, foreign affairs agencies, and Congress, OBO sets worldwide priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use, and sale of real properties and the use of sales proceeds. OBO also serves as the Single Real Property Manager of all overseas facilities under the authority of the chiefs of mission.
http://overseasbuildings.state.govPolitical-Military Affairs
The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is the principal link between the Departments of State and Defense and is the Department of State's lead on operational military matters. The Bureau provides policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, defense strategy and policy, counterpiracy measures, and defense trade. Its responsibilities include coordinating the U.S. Government’s response to piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa, securing base access to support the deployment of U.S. military forces overseas, negotiating status of forces agreements, coordinating participation in coalition combat and stabilization forces, regulating arms transfers, directing military assistance to U.S. allies, combating illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons, facilitating the education and training of international peacekeepers and foreign military personnel, managing humanitarian mine action programs, and assisting other countries in reducing the availability of man-portable air defense systems.
http://www.state.gov/t/pmPopulation, Refugees, and Migration
The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration directs the Department's population, refugee, and migration policy development. It administers U.S. contributions to international organizations and nongovernmental organizations for humanitarian assistance- and protection-related programs on behalf of refugees, conflict victims, and internally displaced persons. The Bureau oversees the annual admissions of refugees to the United States for permanent resettlement, working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and various State and private voluntary agencies. It coordinates U.S. international population policy and promotes its goals through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It works closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administers U.S. international population programs. The Bureau also coordinates the Department's international migration policy through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. The Bureau oversees efforts to encourage greater participation in humanitarian assistance and refugee resettlement on the part of foreign governments and uses humanitarian diplomacy to increase access and assistance to those in need in the absence of political solutions.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-population-refugees-and-migrationProtocol
The Chief of Protocol is the principal adviser to the U.S. Government, the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State on matters of diplomatic procedure governed by law or international custom and practice. The Office is responsible for arranging visits of foreign chiefs of state, heads of government, and other high officials to the United States; organizing credential presentations of newly arrived Ambassadors, as presented to the President and to the Secretary of State; operating the President's guest house, Blair House; organizing delegations representing the President at official ceremonies abroad; conducting official ceremonial functions and public events; interpreting the official order of precedence; conducting outreach programs of cultural enrichment and substantive briefings of the Diplomatic Corps; accrediting of over 118,000 embassy, consular, international organization, and other foreign government personnel, members of their families, and domestics throughout the United States; determining entitlement to diplomatic or consular immunity; publishing of diplomatic and consular lists; resolving problems arising out of diplomatic or consular immunity, such as legal and police matters; and approving the opening of embassy and consular offices in conjunction with the Office of Foreign Missions.
http://www.state.gov/s/cprPublic Affairs
The Bureau of Public Affairs (PA) supports U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives, advances national interests, and enhances National security by informing and influencing domestic and global public opinion about American interaction with the rest of the world. In addition, PA works to help Americans understand the importance of foreign affairs by conducting press briefings for the domestic and foreign press, pursuing media outreach by other means, arranging townhall meetings and community speakers, and preparing historical studies on U.S. diplomacy and foreign affairs matters.
http://www.state.gov/r/paSources of Information
Air Quality Worldwide
AirNow–Department of State collects air quality monitoring data globally from U.S. embassies and consulates.
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.global_summaryArchived Records
The records of the Department are referenced in the "Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States." The Guide is accessible online, and its records belong to Record Group 059.
https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/059.htmlArt in Embassies (AIE)
The Department's AIE program stimulates cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through the visual arts and artist exchanges. The program develops and presents approximately 60 exhibitions per year and has installed over 70 permanent art collections in the Department’s diplomatic facilities in over 200 venues in 189 countries.
https://art.state.govBlog
"DipNote," the Department of State's official blog, offers first-person perspectives from U.S. Government employees who are working to shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and to foster stability and progress for people of every nation.
https://blogs.state.govBusiness Opportunities
Direct Line allows U.S. businessmen and women to hear directly from U.S. Ambassadors and economic and commercial experts at Embassies and consulates in over 190 countries. Direct line can help U.S. businessmen and women identify promising market sectors and U.S. exporters capitalize on new opportunities.
https://www.state.gov/direct-line-for-american-businessThe Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization works with industry partners, the acquisition corps, and program offices to increase prime and subcontracting opportunities for U.S. small businesses. Phone, 703-875-6822.
http://www.state.gov/s/dmr/sdbu/index.htmCareer Opportunities
To learn about joining the Civil Service, becoming a Foreign Service Specialist, the Consular Fellows Program, and other opportunities, visit the "Job Seekers" web page. Information of interest to students, recent graduates, veterans, and persons with disabilities is also accessible online. State Department personnel are available to answer questions on Federal workdays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., eastern standard time. Phone, 202-663-2176.
https://www.state.gov/job-seekersIn 2019, the Department of State ranked 13th among 17 large agencies in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places To Work Agency Rankings.
http://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/detail/ST00Climate Change
The Office of Global Change implements and manages U.S. international policy on climate change. It also represents the United States in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in other international fora that focus on the topic, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-economic-growth-energy-and-the-environment/bureau-of-oceans-and-international-environmental-and-scientific-affairs/office-of-global-changeContact Information
An online visitor to the website may submit a question, using the electronic form on the "Contact Us" web page.
https://register.state.gov/contactus/contactusformDIPLOMATS@work
This experience provides insight into the distinct responsibilities of Foreign Service Officers in each of the five career tracks during a crisis situation in Vendurasaca, a fictitious country designed to represent an overseas location in which a U.S. embassy or consulate is located
https://careers.state.gov/daw/diplomats-at-workEmbassies
Contact information for U.S. Embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide is available online.
https://www.usembassy.govEmergencies Abroad
The Bureau of Consular Affairs posts information for emergency travel-related situations abroad.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies.htmlFederal Register
Significant documents, from 1995 (volume 60) to the present, and recent documents that the Department has published in the Federal Register are available online.
https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/state-departmentForeign Affairs Manual (FAM) / Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs)
The (FAM) and (FAHs) are a single, comprehensive, and authoritative source for the Department's organization structures, policies, and procedures that govern the operations of the State Department, the Foreign Service, and, when applicable, other Federal agencies. The FAM, which centers on policy, and the FAHs, which center on procedures, convey codified information to Department staff and contractors, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with statutory, executive, and Department mandates.
https://fam.state.govFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)
To request records, write to the Director, Office of Information Programs and Services, A/GIS/IPS/RL, Department of State, SA–2, Washington, DC 20522-8100. For more information, contact the FOIA Requester Service Center. Phone, 202-261-8484.
https://foia.state.gov/Default.aspxThe Department of State maintains an online reading room that contains over 220,000 documents. Before submitting a FOIA request, search the reading room to see if the desired document is accessible immediately and free of charge.
https://foia.state.gov/Search/Search.aspxFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Department of State posts answers to FAQs.
https://careers.state.gov/faqsThe Office of the Historian posts answers to FAQs on its website.
https://history.state.gov/about/faqGeographic Bureaus
The geographic bureaus, which include the Bureaus of African, East Asian and Pacific, European and Eurasian, Near Eastern, South and Central Asian, and Western Hemisphere Affairs handle foreign affairs activities worldwide.
https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-political-affairsHistory
The Office of the Historian maintains an online guide to the United States' history of recognition, diplomatic, and consular relations by country. The database begins with the year 1776.
https://history.state.gov/countries | Email: history@state.govThe Office of the Historian also maintains an online index to diplomatic archives worldwide.
https://history.state.gov/countries/archives | Email: history@state.govInternational Adoptions
For information on adoption of foreign children by private U.S. citizens, contact the Office of Children's Issues, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State, SA–29, 2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20520-4818. Phone, 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 (international).
http://travel.state.gov/content/adoptionsabroad/en.htmlOpen Government
The Department of State supports the Open Government initiative by promoting collaboration, participation, and transparency.
https://www.state.gov/open-government-initiativePassports
Information on the application process for a new passport and on the renewal process for an expiring passport is available online. Lost or stolen passports may be reported online. Phone, 877-487-2778. TDD/TTY, 888-874-7793
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html | Email: NPIC@state.govPress Releases
The Office of the Spokesperson releases factsheets, media notes, notices to the press, and statements on a daily basis.
https://www.state.gov/press-releasesPrograms by State
State Department programs affect American communities. The "Department of State by State" web pages describe some of the effects by offering State-by-State statistics.
https://www.state.gov/department-of-state-by-statePublications
The Bureau of Human Resources publishes "State Magazine" monthly, except bimonthly in July and August. The magazine has an informative character and should not be regarded as authority for official action. Views and opinions expressed in "State Magazine" are not necessarily those of the Department of State.
https://statemag.state.gov | Email: statemagazine@state.govSocial Media
The "Press" web page presents links to the Department's social media accounts under the "Join Us" section heading. Using the "Press" web page, a visitor can access easily the official blog "Dipnote," Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and a form for subscribing to email updates.
https://www.state.gov/pressTelephone Directory
The Department's telephone directory can be accessed online.
https://www.state.gov/telephone-directoryTips for U.S. Travelers
Information for Americans traveling abroad—including a traveler's checklist and tips on destinations, personal safety, health, and other topics—is available online from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go.htmlTravel Advisories and Alerts
The Bureau of Consular Affairs website posts travel advisories, alerts, and other information to help Americans travel safely abroad.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.htmlVisas
For information on visas for foreigners wishing to enter the United States, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs online or call 603-334-0700.
http://nvc.state.govThe Sources of Information were updated 6–2020.