No Racketeers on our Shores Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The "No Racketeers on our Shores Act" aims to use U.S. immigration law to deter foreign government officials from economically discriminating against U.S. businesses and individuals abroad.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish new grounds for inadmissibility and deportability for foreign government officials. Specifically, it targets officials who initiate, direct, conduct, engage in, or issue investigations, enforcement actions, licensing determinations, fines, fees, tax assessments, or other legal, regulatory, or administrative burdens against a United States person that are more severe, more frequent, or less procedurally favorable than those against a similarly situated non-U.S. person.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a crucial tool to protect American businesses and citizens from unfair economic practices by foreign governments. They contend it will deter discriminatory actions, promote a level playing field for U.S. persons operating internationally, and uphold principles of fair trade and economic justice by holding accountable those foreign officials who actively undermine U.S. economic interests.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill could lead to complex diplomatic challenges and potential retaliatory measures from foreign governments. They may also raise concerns about the broad definition of "economic discrimination" and the practical difficulties of proving such discrimination, potentially leading to arbitrary enforcement or being used as a political tool rather than a genuine deterrent against unfair practices.
The bill is very short and uses relatively clear legal language, making it accessible for a quick but informed evaluation.
Section 2(a)
New Ground for Inadmissibility: Economic Discrimination
This provision adds a new category to the list of reasons an alien can be denied entry into the United States. It states that any foreign government official who imposes unfair economic burdens on a U.S. person—such as harsher investigations, fines, or licensing rules—compared to non-U.S. persons in similar situations, will be deemed inadmissible. This means they will not be allowed to enter the U.S.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses unfair trade practices by providing a strong disincentive for foreign officials to target U.S. businesses and individuals. It ensures that those who actively harm U.S. economic interests cannot freely enter the United States.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that defining and proving "economic discrimination" in an international context is inherently difficult and could lead to subjective or politically motivated determinations, potentially straining diplomatic relations without effectively solving the underlying economic issues.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to protect U.S. economic interests with potential diplomatic repercussions and the practical challenges of enforcement in a global context.
Section 2(b)
New Ground for Deportability: Economic Discrimination
This provision establishes a new reason for which an alien already present in the United States can be deported. If a foreign government official, while serving in that capacity, engaged in economic discrimination against a U.S. person (as defined in the inadmissibility section), they would be subject to deportation from the U.S.