This list encompasses Americans wrongfully imprisoned or detained abroad by states and terrorist organizations of both citizens of the United States and legal permanent residents.
It consists of individuals who have been wrongfully detained through various channels, including criminal conviction, hostage diplomacy, and kidnapping.
It does not include prisoners of war, war-time kidnappings or kidnappings for ransom.
Since 2015, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) leads and coordinates activities across the Executive Branch to bring home Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained in foreign countries.
[1] Non-governmental organizations that advocate for the return of Americans wrongfully detained abroad include the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, the James Foley Legacy Foundation,[2] and the Bring Our Families Home Campaign.