Bill Overview
Title: Preventing Terrorist Sympathizers from Appeasing Terrorists Act
Description: This bill prohibits the revocation of the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization except by a joint resolution of Congress. Currently, the Department of State may revoke such a designation. Such a designation carries various legal effects. For example, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support to such an organization. Furthermore, a member of such an organization is barred from entering the United States if the member is a non-U.S. national (an alien under federal law).
Sponsors: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
Target Audience
Population: People associated with or supporting designated foreign terrorist organizations, specifically Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill pertains to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designated as a foreign terrorist organization, impacting those involved or associated with it internationally.
- Designation as a terrorist organization involves legal implications for individuals providing material support globally, implying a wide-reaching target population.
- The act has an impact on non-U.S. nationals who might face entry restrictions into the United States, thus affecting a global population connected to the IRGC.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts non-U.S. nationals who may be barred from entering the United States if they are affiliated with the IRGC. This has significant implications for those residing outside the U.S. who have direct or indirect links to the IRGC.
- For U.S. citizens, the policy might affect those with connections to the IRGC, either personally or professionally, through legal ramifications for supporting a terrorist organization.
- The impact in the U.S. is relatively limited given the small number of individuals directly involved or associated with the IRGC within the U.S. borders.
- Costs associated with implementing this policy would likely revolve around enforcement and regulation, impacting a minimal subset of the U.S. population.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Dearborn, MI)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need for national security, but I worry about travel restrictions for my family.
- The policy might be too broad and could impact people who are not directly involved with the IRGC.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Graduate Student (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could affect my fiancé's visa, making our future uncertain.
- It seems overly punitive for those wanting peaceful engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy strengthens national security, which is crucial.
- However, diplomacy should not be overlooked.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Oil and Gas Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the intention, but it might disrupt international business dealings.
- Risk of escalation in diplomatic tensions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Worried about future business opportunities in Iran possibly being affected.
- Seems necessary for some security assurances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about being able to visit my relatives easily and participate in cultural events.
- Security is important, but so is maintaining open international relationships.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could complicate investments in Middle Eastern tech sectors.
- I hope it differentiates between legitimate business and terrorist support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Human Rights Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how this will impact refugees and my clients.
- It can deter those genuinely in need of refuge due to overreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Social Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could isolate communities further and thwart integration efforts.
- Engagement and dialogue should be the priority instead of limitations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Military Veteran (Austin, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fully support measures that prevent terrorist groups from gaining a foothold.
- Ensuring national security should always be a priority.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3100000, High: $7100000)
Year 3: $5200000 (Low: $3200000, High: $7200000)
Year 5: $5400000 (Low: $3400000, High: $7400000)
Year 10: $6000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Key Considerations
- Enforcement of designation and potential increases in related administrative costs.
- International ramifications for U.S. relations based on immigration and security policies.
- Long-term costs versus benefits of preventing material support to terrorist organizations.