Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

ABOUT US The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs promotes U.S. interests in the region by developing and promoting partnerships with countries, people, the private sector, civil society, and others actors throughout the Americas to expand economic prosperity, increase citizen security, and strengthen democratic institutions. Supporting these efforts are the Bureau’s 2,700 employees (U.S. citizens and foreign nationals) working in Washington and at our 29 Embassies and 23 Consulates General in 30 countries throughout the hemisphere. OUR MISSION Everyone working in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is dedicated to helping keep Americans safe and increasing our economic prosperity. We do that through partnerships with the governments and people of the Americas. Our engagement advances fair and reciprocal trade, sustainable economic development, and poverty reduction; combats drug trafficking, transnational crime, and illegal immigration; and supports democracy, the rule of law, and good governance to strengthen our national security and our economy. We do this because we know that a hemisphere whose countries and citizens are secure and prosperous will in turn help keep Americans safe, create markets for U.S. products, and support opportunities for U.S. businesses.