Bill Overview
Title: Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement at Our Borders Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress a plan to identify and deploy emerging and advanced technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, automation, and optical radar) to achieve greater situational awareness along the northern and southern U.S. borders between ports of entry. The report shall contain information including assessments of (1) how Customs and Border Protection is currently using such technologies, (2) how such technologies can address border security capability gaps, and (3) the cost of acquiring such technologies.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: People engaging with or living near US border security operations
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill focuses on the integration of technologies like AI and automation along the US borders.
- People interacting with the border, such as migrants, tourists, or cross-border workers, may be impacted due to changes in border security measures.
- Residents and communities near the border may experience changes due to enhanced security systems or technologies.
- Employees and officers at Customs and Border Protection will need to adapt to and use new technologies.
- Tech companies and contractors providing these technologies may see new business opportunities.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on people interacting with border security operations, which includes a diverse group of individuals such as migrants, tourists, cross-border workers, and residents living near the border.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are directly impacted due to the necessity to integrate and manage new technologies.
- Tech companies may benefit from contracts and business opportunities arising from the deployment of these advanced technologies.
- The budget limit allows for a significant, but not unlimited, deployment of emergent technologies across a vast and critical area along the borders, emphasizing prioritization in implementations.
Simulated Interviews
CBP Officer (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The integration of new technologies may improve our efficiency.
- I'm concerned about the training required to handle these technologies.
- There might be a learning curve, but the benefits outweigh the cons.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (San Diego, California)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased efficiency at the border might shorten wait times.
- Technological failures could disrupt my business schedule.
- Overall, I think it might be beneficial for commerce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Nogales, Arizona)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could mean more job security for me.
- Potential for cutting-edge projects is exciting.
- I worry about ethical concerns related to surveillance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Border Community Organiser (Laredo, Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There are concerns about increased surveillance infringing on privacy.
- Technology should not impede human rights.
- Resources could be diverted from community programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
College Student (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New tech might make border crossings faster, aiding my travels.
- I'm concerned about surveillance and privacy implications.
- I hope these changes do not affect my family negatively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Logistics Manager (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could streamline shipping processes.
- Worried about initial adaptation phase delays.
- Long-term, it should boost efficiency and reliability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Resident near Border (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced security could mean safer communities.
- I have concerns about environmental impacts of new tech.
- Jobs resulting from tech implementation could benefit locals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Startup CEO (Austin, Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill presents significant business opportunities.
- Concerned about competition and fulfilling DHS requirements.
- This could bolster the local tech ecosystem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Customs Broker (Buffalo, New York)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could lead to more streamlined border documentation.
- New tech could pose a learning curve and legal complexities.
- Overall, I anticipate a positive impact on my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Supply Chain Analyst (Houston, Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with my interest in technological solutions.
- Could reduce shipping costs and improve route efficiency.
- There's potential for significant operational improvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $75000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy aims to improve border security by introducing advanced technologies, which can have high up-front costs but potential long-term security benefits.
- Initial investments might be offset by efficiencies and savings generated by improved border patrol capabilities.
- Rapid technological advancements could necessitate further investment to keep technology current and effective.