Bill Overview
Title: Strengthening Enforcement and Criminalizing Unlawful Records Enabling Flights Act
Description: This bill prohibits the use of warrants and other documents issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as proof of identification at airport security checkpoints unless the individual is leaving the United States pursuant to immigration laws. If an individual uses prohibited documents as a proof of identification, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must (1) inform ICE and local law enforcement to determine whether the individual is in violation of any term of release, and (2) collect the individual's biometric information unless the TSA can verify the individual is a U.S. national. The TSA must also submit the biometric information to a national biometric identification system.
Sponsors: Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals using ICE documents for airport identification, primarily undocumented immigrants or non-citizens
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill affects individuals who rely on ICE-issued documents as proof of identity at airport security checkpoints. Typically, these individuals are likely to be non-citizens, particularly undocumented immigrants or those facing deportation orders, as they may utilize ICE documents for identification purposes.
- Travelers within or from the US who attempt to pass airport security using ICE documents will be directly impacted, as their identification will no longer be accepted unless they are departing the United States under specific immigration circumstances.
- The bill mandates TSA to inform ICE and local law enforcement, which implies that any individual attempting such identification could face legal scrutiny and potential deportation proceedings if they are in the US illegally.
- Biometric data collection and entry into a national biometric system can further impact privacy and civil rights, particularly for non-citizens and immigrants who may face increased tracking and monitoring by federal agencies.
Reasoning
- The estimated target population includes non-citizens and undocumented immigrants who may rely on ICE-issued documents for airport identification. Given the estimate of 5,000 directly affected individuals, this represents a small subset of the overall population, suggesting limited direct impact but potentially significant effects for those who are affected.
- US citizens are unlikely to depend on ICE documents, indicating a negligible impact on the general citizenry, which is helpful in managing the policy's scope and budget.
- The policy could also indirectly impact civil rights groups, immigrant advocacy organizations, and legal entities working on immigration issues due to potential increases in legal cases or advocacy efforts related to airport detentions.
- Budget considerations must also include the costs of TSA enforcement, biometric data collection, storage, and integration into a national system, ensuring these provisions remain within the allocated budget over time.
- The long-term social implications, such as perceived safety improvements or potential backlash related to increased biometric data collection, should be monitored.
Simulated Interviews
Restaurant worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy scares me because it means I can't use the documents I have to travel by air, even within the US.
- I'm worried about being detained or deported if I try to travel for family emergencies.
- I believe this will increase the fear among the immigrant community and isolate us more.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 4 |
Uber driver (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't use ICE documents, but I worry about my family members who do.
- This policy will make it harder for them to travel safely within the country.
- It's stressful to think they could be tracked more or face action just for trying to fly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
University student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned for my friends who rely on these documents and their lack of access to safe travel.
- This policy feels like an invasion of privacy and could lead to increased harassment of immigrants.
- I plan to protest and raise awareness about the impact of these restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Construction foreman (Chicago, IL)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I usually avoid air travel but worry about needing to fly for work or emergencies.
- I'm afraid this will make everyday life more difficult and stressful.
- Knowing ICE will be informed adds to my worries about being detained.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 3 |
Healthcare worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm genuinely worried about what this means for my travels to visit family in emergencies.
- This policy feels like a big step backwards for our community in terms of feeling safe.
- I'm not sure what this might mean long-term for those of us on TPS.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Small business owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This type of policy doesn’t directly affect me, but some of my extended family are concerned.
- This could alienate communities further and lead to unnecessary fear of traveling even for simple matters.
- I hope the authorities will execute this policy with sensitivity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Graduate student (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could represent broader trends in immigration legislation that I find concerning.
- My research indicates this kind of data collection could lead to increased profiling.
- It's crucial to remain vigilant about the implications for civil rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Retail worker (Dallas, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I avoid flying if I can, but this makes it even more complicated for someone like me.
- I’m focused on my education and this policy seems like another barrier to personal progress.
- There is always the fear of being targeted amidst traveling regardless of legality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Retired teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn’t directly affect me, but I’m worried about its social impact.
- My role in supporting local immigrants means I hear their fears and concerns firsthand.
- Such policies could exacerbate divisions and tensions in our communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Legal aid attorney (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an attorney, I expect an increase in cases related to this policy.
- This law could mean more work but also more complex and sensitive cases involving my clients' personal rights.
- The increased data collection and sharing is particularly concerning from a privacy standpoint.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $9000000)
Year 2: $7200000 (Low: $5200000, High: $9200000)
Year 3: $7400000 (Low: $5400000, High: $9400000)
Year 5: $7800000 (Low: $5800000, High: $9800000)
Year 10: $8500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $10500000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Key Considerations
- The administrative and logistic burden on the TSA and related agencies will be significant, requiring coordination and resource allocation.
- Privacy and civil liberties concerns may arise from biometric data collection and storage, requiring careful management of data security and compliance with privacy regulations.
- The impact on airport operations needs to be assessed to avoid delays and inefficiencies.
- Legal and enforcement ramifications could lead to increased deportation or legal proceedings.