In 2005, FAWCO conducted a survey of its members around the globe to learn how they would like to be represented in Washington: many people complain of "taxation without representation" and dream of a Congressperson or even a group of them to represent the large overseas American population without necessarily thinking of the constitutional challenge that would represent.
This is how the survey was introduced:
Representation of Overseas Americans in Washington
(Online Survey to be completed by U.S. citizens only)
Can we bring overseas Americans in from the cold?
Estimates of the number of overseas Americans range from 3 to 9 million (a pretty big window) but generally put our population somewhere around 4-5 million, making us the theoretical equivalent of the 25th state in the Union.
We pay taxes and vote in the United States but most of us feel relatively cut off from the American legislative process. If we write to our Senators or Congressperson, we are often informed that only residents of the state or district will be answered; our overseas address "brands" us. If we encounter a problem as overseas citizens, it is sometimes difficult to know where to go: the embassy or consulate (some feel they give priority to the citizens of our host countries), a U.S. government agency (which one?), our legislators (who may refuse to read or respond)?
Various proposals have been made over time to give overseas Americans a "face" in Washington. Today, as a new Congress takes up its work, as America and Americans suffer from an unusually negative image abroad, and as global exchanges continue to multiply, it might be a good time to think carefully about just how we would like, in an "ideal world", to be "represented in Washington".
As FAWCO's U.S. Liaison, I work with other overseas organizations and go periodically to Washington to present our positions and "wish lists". I would like to know how individual FAWCO members feel so that I can try to represent their wishes in this regard.
Would you please take just a moment to fill out the following online survey and would you please encourage the members of your club to do the same?
Your input will help to set the direction that FAWCO representatives will take in the coming months, starting with the Overseas Americans Week scheduled for May 9-13 in Washington. I'd like to hear from you as soon as possible (before April 20) to be able to express your views in Washington at that time.
Thank you for your help!
Lucy S. L., US Liaison (AAWE Paris)
The Online Survey is now closed. You can have a look at the questions in the 
Online Survey 21.00 Kb document.