U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State is focused on accomplishing America's mission of diplomacy at home and around the world. The U.S. Department of State manages America’s relationships with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries. The Department's employees carry out the President’s foreign policy with a focus on America's interests. U.S. Department of State employees, with their skills, character and commitment to public service, are the backbone of America's diplomacy. They represent the people and advocate the interests of the United States to the rest of the world. The Foreign Service is dedicated to representing America and responding to the needs of American citizens in other countries. Members of the Foreign Service represent America at embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions around the world. Civil Service employees provide in-depth expertise and continuity in accomplishing all aspects of the Department's mission and are involved in virtually every function of the Department. Civil Service employees issue passports, compile and analyze overseas reports, provide logistical support to posts, consult with Congress about foreign policy initiatives and policies, and formulate and manage the budget. Foreign Service National employees also supplement the personnel requirements of the Department overseas. FSN employees are local residents of the countries in which we maintain diplomatic posts and consulates. They are valued members of our embassy teams, for they provide continuity and have language and cultural expertise.