Bill Overview
Title: To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to publish the number of known or suspected terrorists encountered attempting to enter the United States on a monthly basis, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to publish, by the 15th day of each month, the number of known or suspected terrorists, and individuals whose identities are included in the Terrorist Screening Database, encountered attempting to enter the United States during the immediately preceding month.
Sponsors: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide who are concerned with or affected by terrorism-related actions and policy, including border security.
Estimated Size: 250000000
- The bill mandates the Department of Homeland Security to release data regarding known or suspected terrorists attempting to enter the U.S.
- This impacts law enforcement agencies who may need to adjust priorities or resource allocations based on the data.
- Policy makers may use this information to make informed decisions about border security and counter-terrorism strategies.
- Researchers and analysts who study terrorism and border security would have more data to work with.
- The general public may have increased awareness of terrorism-related activity at the borders.
- Transparency in government actions and data is an indirect impact as it increases.
- The bill impacts those involved in national security and public safety, including government employees and advisors.
Reasoning
- The policy directly impacts the transparency and availability of data regarding national security threats, particularly relating to terrorism.
- The potential psychological effects on citizens involve increased awareness and possibly heightened anxiety regarding security threats.
- Communities close to borders might experience indirect effects related to perceived security and safety in their region.
- Budget restrictions imply limited reach, mainly affecting resource allocation within the Department of Homeland Security for data publication obligations.
- The broader public's perception of safety and trust in governmental actions might shift based on the availability and interpretation of data.
- The policy does not have direct economic effects, thus the impact on individual wellbeing might stem from perceived safety and security improvements rather than financial benefits.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (El Paso, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am somewhat concerned about safety in our community because we live so close to the border.
- Having more information about possible threats sounds reassuring, but I also worry it might cause unnecessary panic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transparency in such matters is crucial, and any data that helps us safeguard against threats is useful.
- I'm interested in how this might influence cybersecurity strategies at the border.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Journalist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide more solid data for reporting, which benefits both journalists and the public.
- There's a responsibility to report accurately without causing undue alarm.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired, former military officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have always believed that knowing is better than being in the dark, especially in security matters.
- This data can keep us vigilant and prepared.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager to see how this policy might impact international travel and trade.
- Data transparency is generally good, but it should not create barriers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This information is critical for evaluating the effectiveness and necessity of border security measures.
- Policymakers need accurate data to make informed decisions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Truck Driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any new data on threats is useful for planning my routes.
- But too much information can also lead to overreaction and fear.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Miami, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could stigmatize border communities further if not handled carefully.
- Transparency is good, but it must be balanced with empathy for immigrants.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Research Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this help pinpoint areas where technology can aid in security.
- I am eager to see how this impacts the development of our national security tech.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Broadcaster (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need to present such data responsibly to avoid sparking fear.
- This can make political discussions on my show more informed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Key Considerations
- This policy enhances transparency in government operations, which could affect public trust.
- The publication of data could influence public perception and policy making related to national security.
- There are concerns about the security and confidentiality of sensitive data during its preparation for publication.
- Continuous publication requires on-going modest financial commitment for data handling and administrative purposes.