FAQs

Q：I just started my first job with a work visa. I don’t have a green card. Is it still legal for me to donate to AARA?

A：Yes. One of the major advantages of 501c3 non profit organization is that it does not have any limitation on donor’s immigration status. As a matter of fact, by law even a foreigner living abroad, regardless of his or her nationality is allowed to contribute to a 501c3 non profit and there is no annual donation limit. This is also the legal base for those well-known non profit organizations such as American Red Cross to accept donations from anyone.

Q: I want to vote. How do I vote? (Only for the State of Washington)

A: Step 1: online registration, it will take around 2 minutes. Step 2: The ballot and brochures about the election will be mailed to your registered address about 20 days before the election. After the filling your ballot, you can mail it with the provided official envelope or drop it to a ballot box designated by county without paying for a stamp.

Q: I am on work visa or I am a green card holder/ US citizen. What can I do? What can I not do?

A: Please check the table below. In the table, a Volunteer’s jobs include making phone calls, putting up campaign signs, attending meetings with candidates, doorbelling, and all the other activities not concerning financial support. School District Activities include all the activities within the school district such as being a member of various advisory committees or chairing the school PTSA, but exclude running as a candidate for the school district board.

Identity	Volunteer	Political donation	Vote/Participate in Election Campaigns	School District Activities
H1b/F1/L1…	Yes	No	No	Yes
Green card holders/ permanent residents	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
U.S. citizens	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Q: Which district am I in? Who can I vote for?

A：US citizens can vote for the political officials in the region where they live based on district, county, state, and federal levels. Listed below are several main levels:

• US House of Representatives

• WA state legislative districts

• County map

• School District map

Q：Can I donate to candidates or political parties?

A：US citizens or green card holders can donate to ANY candidate and political party in the United States, not limited to geographical location or jurisdiction area.
For example, if you live in Bothell and you have a green card, you can donate to presidential candidates, you can donate to Bellevue School District board candidates, any House Representative candidate in the state, or donate to a House Representative in Pennsylvania. The last example may be the most influential donation that determines the majority/minority party of the House of Representatives.

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