Three Criteria for Designation

1. The organization must be foreign.
2. The organization must engage in terrorist activity as defined in Section 212 (a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (See attachment for text.)
3. The organization's activities must threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security (national defense, foreign relations, or the economic interests) of the United States.

Specifically, the law states quite clearly that terrorism is an unlawful act which involves

• hijacking or sabotage of any conveyance (including an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle)
• seizing or threatening to kill, injure another individual in order to compel a third person to do or abstain doing any act...
• a violent attack upon an internationally protected person or upon the liberty of  such a person (i.e. clergy, aid, red cross, etc.)
• An assassination
• The use of biological agent, chemical agent, or nuclear weapon or device; explosive or firearm with intent endanger safety or cause substantial damage to property.
• a threat or conspiracy or attempt to do any of the above.
• engage in terrorist activity such as
• the preparation or planning of a terrorist activity
•  the gathering of information on potential targets for terrorist activity
• The providing of any type of material support, including a safe house, transportation, communication, funds, false identification, weapons, explosives, or training
• The soliciting of funds or other things of value for terrorist activity of for any terrorist organization
• The solicitation of any individual for membership in a terrorist organization, terrorist government, or to engage in a terrorist activity