The Open Society Institute decided to reestablish a Washington office in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the resulting policy changes within the U.S. government. The office, OSI-Washington, D.C., focuses on addressing violations of civil liberties in the United States and expanding OSI’s policy and advocacy work in the areas of criminal and civil justice reform. In addition, OSI is building a framework to influence debates over global economic policies, such as those involving international development assistance.
As part of OSI-New York, OSI-Washington, D.C., is exempt from U.S. income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.