State Department Designates Four Militias as Terror Groups
Published Date: 9/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government just officially labeled four groups—Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali—as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This means these groups face new legal restrictions, including freezing their assets and banning support. The changes take effect immediately, signaling tighter controls and financial consequences for anyone linked to them.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Assets Frozen and Support Banned
The notice says the designations mean new legal restrictions, explicitly including freezing the groups' assets and banning support to them. Those restrictions apply as of publication (September 18, 2025).
Four Groups Designated as FTOs
The Department of State designated Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The designations take effect upon publication in the Federal Register (publication date: September 18, 2025).
Aliases Included in Designations
The Department of State explicitly designates each group's listed aliases (alternate names) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations as well. That means the listed alternative names are covered by the same restrictions when the designation takes effect upon publication.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20079, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Review of the U.S. Munitions List and Related Definitions and License Exemptions
The U.S. Department of State wants to update the rules that control the export of military gear and tech to focus only on the most sensitive stuff. They’re making the list clearer, removing some items, and adding new ways to skip licenses for certain exports. If you deal with defense exports, get ready to review these changes and send your thoughts by November 30, 2026!
2026-17655, Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas
The Department proposes to amend 22 CFR 51.21 by consolidating requirements for persons applying by mail and online in the United States and overseas. This proposed change includes expanding online passport application availability to qualified applicants located in foreign countries. In addition, the Department is proposing to remove the requirement that an applicant's most recently issued passport must have a year or less of remaining validity to qualify to submit an online passport application. Finally, the Department is proposing technical corrections to 51.8(b) to change "on-line" to read "online" for consistency.
2026-04931, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-20082, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Syria Country Policy Revision
Starting October 1, 2026, the U.S. will no longer automatically block defense trade licenses for Syria. Instead, companies and individuals can apply for permission to export or import defense-related items to or from Syria, and each request will be reviewed carefully. This change opens the door for case-by-case approvals, signaling a big shift for anyone dealing with defense trade involving Syria.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18012, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Head Start Program Information Report
The Head Start program is updating and extending its important reports for three more years to keep track of kids, centers, and contacts. These changes affect Head Start staff who fill out the reports and aim to make data collection clearer and more useful. The updates won’t cost extra but will help improve how the program supports children and families.
Next: 2025-18016, 2024-2025 Award Year Deadline Dates for Reports and Other Records Associated With the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program, the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, the Federal Pell Grant Program, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
The Department of Education just updated the deadline dates for submitting important forms and reports for federal student aid programs like FAFSA, Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and more for the 2024-2025 school year. This affects students, schools, and financial aid offices, making sure everyone knows when to turn in paperwork to get or manage aid on time. Missing these deadlines could delay money that helps pay for college, so mark your calendars!