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What Is Foreign Interference, Anyway? : Planet Money We've heard a lot about illegal foreign meddling in the United States elections. But what about legal foreign participation? | Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.

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What Is Foreign Interference, Anyway?

What Is Foreign Interference, Anyway?

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WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: Streaks in the sky form at sunset behind the U.S. Capitol Building on November 13, 2019 in Washington, DC.
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Mark Makela/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: Streaks in the sky form at sunset behind the U.S. Capitol Building on November 13, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Mark Makela/Getty Images

When you think about foreign interference, you probably think about someone living far away and trying to sneak money into the American elections.

But there are millions of non-citizens – foreigners – legally living, working, and paying taxes in the United States. Some of them would like to participate in elections that could influence their jobs and their future.

Are they allowed to participate in any way in U.S. elections? And what's the line between participation and meddling? Today on the show, we find out.

Music: "Doctor Dizzy," "What's He Up To," and "Smoke And Mirrors."

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