22 U.S.C. § 4302 — Definitions

(a) For purposes of this chapter—

(1) “Benefit,” with respect to a foreign mission, means an acquisition, or authorization for an acquisition, in the United States by or for a foreign mission. It includes acquiring real property by purchase, lease, exchange, construction, or otherwise; public services, including customs, importation, utilities, and processing applications or requests for public services; supplies, maintenance, and transportation; locally engaged staff on a temporary or regular basis; travel and related services; protective services; and financial and currency-exchange services. It also includes other benefits the Secretary designates.

(2) “Chancery” means the principal offices of a foreign mission used for diplomatic or related purposes and annexes to those offices, including ancillary offices and support facilities. It includes the site and any building on that site used for those purposes.

(3) “Foreign mission” means any mission to, or agency or entity in, the United States that is involved in the diplomatic, consular, or other activities of, or is substantially owned or effectively controlled by, (A) a foreign government, or (B) an organization—other than an international organization as defined in section 4309(b)—that represents a territory or political entity granted diplomatic or other official privileges and immunities under United States law, or that engages in some part of that territory’s or political entity’s international affairs. “Foreign mission” includes the mission’s real property and personnel.

(4) “Real property” includes any right, title, or interest in or to, or beneficial use of, real property in the United States, including an office or other building.

(5) “Secretary” means the Secretary of State.

(6) “Sending State” means the foreign government, territory, or political entity represented by a foreign mission.

(7) When used geographically, “United States” means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the United States.

(b) Decisions about the meaning and applicability of the terms in subsection (a) are left to the Secretary’s discretion.