AAFEN challenges the working principle in the federal government that Americans' foreign ties makes them national security risks.

The U.S. population is rapidly diversifying, and approaching a majority minority country by 2045.

During the current global competition, the Americans with foreign language skills, cultural competency, travel and study abroad experience and connections are assets, not threats.  Yet, they can be barred from federal employment or contracting or military service, lose their security clearances necessary to stay employed, denied promotions or diplomatic assignments in ancestral countries, or be investigated and prosecuted based on international science collaborations.  

Based on a racial equity lens, AAFEN identifies existing and proposed laws and policies and practices that run counter to the federal government's commitment to diversity and inclusion.  We propose reforms that are consistent with several of Biden's Presidential actions related to equity, chiefly among them the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Throughout the Federal Government (January 20, 2021).