Bill Overview
Title: Ukrainian Protection Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates Ukraine as a temporary protected status (TPS) country for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) To qualify for TPS, a national of Ukraine must (1) meet certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (2) register with the Department of Homeland Security.
Sponsors: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Ukrainian Nationals
Estimated Size: 140000
- The legislation pertains to Ukrainian nationals and provides them with temporary protected status (TPS) in the United States.
- Ukrainian citizens who are currently residing in the United States are directly impacted as they can apply for TPS.
- The number of Ukrainians in the US is estimated by various migration and refugee data sources.
- Global figures are harder to ascertain, but many Ukrainians seek safety abroad due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Reasoning
- The policy is most impactful for Ukrainians currently in the U.S. who are on non-permanent status, as they now have the option to apply for temporary protected status, allowing them work authorization and protection from deportation.
- Others in Ukrainian communities may also experience a ripple effect of well-being, including relief or reduced anxiety due to friends or family members potentially gaining legal status.
- Neighbored communities, such as employers or service providers, might also adjust their expectations or community engagement based on the influx of work-authorized individuals.
- For most U.S. citizens unaffiliated with the Ukrainian nationality, the policy's impact will be negligible as it does not directly alter their daily lives or wellbeing.
- The overall economic and social impacts are limited to the duration of the bill (18 months), with potential extensions and further legislative support post-duration, affecting future long-term wellbeing scores.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives me a chance to work legally while my country is in turmoil, which is a relief.
- It reduces my fear of being unable to continue my job if my student visa isn't renewed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Construction Worker (Miami, Florida)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am relieved to have legal status and work authorization; I can now send money back home safely.
- There is still anxiety about what happens after TPS expires.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
NGO Worker (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 52 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am glad my spouse can now focus on adjusting status instead of deportation fears.
- Our community work is now easier as TPS offers a temporary solution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Waiter (New York, New York)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a legal status for 18 months is great, but it's short.
- Without TPS, I'd probably have to continue working under the table with its uncertainties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this policy as it provides some stability to those in our community facing conflicts back home.
- My activities at the community center have seen an increase in participation.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Business Owner (Houston, Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved my employees with uncertain status can now work legally.
- This makes planning our workforce more manageable; however, the short duration is a concern.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Freelance Designer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ability to legally work is a significant weight off my shoulders.
- I am worried about what comes after TPS.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Healthcare Professional (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps our family in long-term planning.
- I'm relieved but somewhat apprehensive about future status after 18 months.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Research Scientist (Austin, Texas)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It provides a temporary relief from my precarious legal status situation.
- I wish it offered a more permanent pathway, but for now, this is existentially reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
IT Consultant (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm in favor of the policy as it aligns with humanitarian support values.
- Happy to see the government taking this stance, but it doesn't impact me directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The most significant costs are administrative, related to processing and managing applications.
- The potential for GDP growth is modest and contingent on broader economic conditions.
- There is a humanitarian benefit from providing stability and safety to Ukrainian nationals during a period of conflict in their home country.