ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 7219ProclamationClinton · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 7219

Contiguous Zone of the United States

President Clinton extended the U.S. contiguous zone from 12 to 24 nautical miles from coastal baselines, expanding authority to enforce customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws while preserving freedom of navigation for foreign vessels. The proclamation applies to all U.S. territories and explicitly does not amend existing federal or state law, alter the Exclusive Economic Zone, or affect maritime boundaries with foreign nations.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 48701

Impact dates

  1. Contiguous zone extension takes effect

Key directives

  • Extend contiguous zone to 24 nautical miles from U.S. baselines
  • Preserve high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight for all countries' ships and aircraft
  • Maintain existing federal and state law unchanged
  • Preserve Exclusive Economic Zone rights established by Proclamation 5030
  • Do not impair maritime boundary determinations with foreign jurisdictions

Timeline

Immediate

  • Contiguous zone extension to 24 nautical miles takes effect upon proclamation

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Enhanced enforcement of customs, immigration, and sanitary laws in expanded maritime zone
  • Potential operational adjustments by Coast Guard and maritime authorities
  • Ongoing application to cultural heritage protection within 24 nautical miles

Risks & tensions

  • Potential friction with foreign nations over enforcement jurisdiction near boundaries
  • Operational burden on Coast Guard to patrol doubled zone without additional resources
  • Limited practical impact since proclamation explicitly does not amend existing laws—enforcement authority remains constrained by current statute
Proclamation 7219: Contiguous Zone of the United States · Executive Orders