Bill Overview
Title: Jumpstart Act
Description: This bill makes unused employment-based and family-based immigrant visas from FY1992 through FY2021 available in subsequent fiscal years. It also makes diversity immigrant visas available to individuals who were selected for such a visa between FY2017-FY2021 but were unable to receive the visa due to certain (1) executive actions, or (2) limitations related to COVID-19. The bill also establishes supplemental fees for certain immigration-related applications.
Sponsors: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by availability and restrictions of U.S. immigration visas between FY1992-FY2021
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill targets those who have been affected by unused employment-based and family-based immigrant visas over nearly 30 years.
- Additionally, those affected by diversity immigrant visa issues between FY2017-FY2021 are included, implicating a range of countries that participate in the Diversity Visa program.
- The immigrant population covers a wide range of individuals from various countries seeking a better life in the U.S. through the legal immigration system.
- The bill includes those who were unable to receive visas due to COVID-19 restrictions and executive actions of the previous government, indicating a backlog and pent-up demand.
- As of 2023, immigration laws affect millions globally, but only those eligible from this specified timeframe would be directly impacted.
Reasoning
- The policy targets individuals specifically affected by immigration visa issues between FY1992-FY2021.
- The population likely includes a diverse range of individuals and families, from those in high-skilled job sectors to family reunion cases.
- Each individual impacted might have different socio-economic backgrounds and levels of dependency on this policy for their future in the U.S.
- Given the budget constraints, only a subset of those affected would experience significant change in wellbeing, especially in early years of implementation.
- U.S. citizens would not directly benefit but could experience positive impacts due to increased family unification and possibly enhanced workforce diversity.
Simulated Interviews
software engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been waiting for years in the employment-based visa backlog. This policy could finally let me and my family settle here permanently.
- The U.S. tech sector benefits from diverse talents. It's about time these visas are utilized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
nurse (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My siblings have been waiting too long. This policy could reunite us, which is crucial for our family support system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
graduate student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could give me a chance to contribute to the academic community here, something I missed due to past restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 1 |
small business owner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been able to build a business here, but waiting for family visas has been a long process. This act could expediate it, benefiting both my family and business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
scientist (Houston, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A stable immigration status could allow me to fully focus on my work and community contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 2 |
construction worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Long waits have impacted my life decisions. This could finally bring stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
hotel manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Family reunification is essential. This policy could make it happen, offering peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
academic researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have so much potential to offer here, but was stopped by former bans. This could be a new beginning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 2 |
student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being with family is important, and if I could be here without restriction, I would have better opportunities to study and work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
healthcare administrator (Dallas, TX)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been frustrating to navigate constant uncertainty. This policy might finally provide security.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $250000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $350000000)
Year 3: $200000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $250000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $50000000)
Key Considerations
- The administrative cost of managing this influx of visa applications and adjudications.
- Potential economic benefits through job creation and consumer spending increases.
- Current capacity and resource constraints within the USCIS to handle increased volumes of applications.
- Population growth effects and integration of immigrants into communities over time.