ISSUE
In both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, Senator Bernie Sanders employed multiple staffers who were not U.S. citizens, including Maria Belén Sisa, his deputy national press secretary and a recipient of DACA protections.
FEC regulations strictly prohibit foreign nationals from participating (directly or indirectly) in the decision-making process of any U.S. political campaign.
ACTION
The Coolidge Reagan Foundation filed a formal complaint with the FEC alleging that Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns violated federal election law by employing foreign nationals in key advisory roles. The complaint noted that these hires represented a direct violation of statutes designed to prevent foreign influence in American elections.
OUTCOME
The FEC found that Sanders’ 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns had in fact violated federal election law by employing foreign nationals in campaign advisory roles. As a result, the campaigns were fined $15,000 for the violations—reinforcing a critical principle: the integrity of our democracy depends on Americans shaping our political future.
