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EO 12922Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12922

Blocking Property of Certain Haitian Nationals

This executive order blocks all property and interests in property of Haitian nationals residing in Haiti and certain related persons, effective immediately on June 21, 1994. The order expands existing sanctions against Haiti's de facto military regime by freezing assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting evasion of these restrictions.

Federal Register 59 FR 32645
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Impact dates

  1. Order takes effect at 10:09 p.m. EDT

Key directives

  • Block all property of Haitian nationals resident in Haiti
  • Block property of persons subject to prior EO 12775, 12779, 12853, 12872, or 12914 and their immediate family members
  • Exempt NGO property used for essential humanitarian assistance or refugee/migration operations
  • Authorize continuation of payments under EO 12920 as directed by Treasury Secretary
  • Prohibit any transaction evading or attempting to violate the order
  • Secretary of Treasury authorized to promulgate rules and regulations
  • All agencies directed to take appropriate measures including suspension or termination of existing licenses

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Property blocking takes effect at 10:09 p.m. EDT June 21, 1994
  • All covered assets frozen
  • Prohibition on evasion transactions effective

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Treasury to issue implementing regulations and identification determinations
  • Agencies to review and suspend/terminate existing licenses

Long term

  • Continued sanctions enforcement pending political resolution in Haiti
  • Potential redelegation of regulatory authority to other agencies

Risks & tensions

  • Humanitarian exemption requires Treasury Secretary identification, creating implementation uncertainty
  • Broad definition of 'Haitian national' captures entities organized under Haitian law, potentially affecting third-country businesses
  • Immediate effective date with same-day signing may cause compliance disruptions for financial institutions
  • Reliance on prior executive orders for certain definitions creates layered legal complexity
Executive Order 12922: Blocking Property of Certain Haitian Nationals · Executive Orders