[20160120]IF10346_在危机期间帮助海外美国公民：国务院的作用 .pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov January 20, 2016Helping U.S. Citizens Abroad During a Crisis: Role of the Department of State Overview 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. Providing Threat and Crisis Information Travel Information and the STEP Program The Department of State is required by law to serve as a clearinghouse of information on any major disaster or incident abroad which affects the health and safety of U.S. citizens abroad (22 U.S.C. 2715). The department