Bill Overview
Title: Acute Labor Shortage Solutions Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to exempt non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) from certain annual caps on admission upon a determination that, due to an acute labor shortage, the needs of American businesses in certain sectors cannot be met with American workers. Such exemptions shall be available from FY2022 through FY2024 and may be available for an additional fiscal year if the Department of Labor determines such an extension is warranted due to U.S. labor shortages.
Sponsors: Rep. Bourdeaux, Carolyn [D-GA-7]
Target Audience
Population: Foreign workers and immigrants potentially eligible for labor shortage exemption
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill allows for exemptions on annual immigration caps for non-U.S. nationals, which means it directly affects foreign workers and potential immigrants.
- U.S. businesses experiencing labor shortages in specific sectors will be able to hire workers more easily, impacting their operations and capacity to meet demands.
- American workers might be indirectly affected if the influx of foreign workers influences wage levels or employment opportunities in affected sectors.
Reasoning
- The Acute Labor Shortage Solutions Act primarily targets foreign workers who can help fill labor shortages, and the impact of this policy would be most pronounced in sectors experiencing such shortages.
- For American businesses, particularly those in affected sectors, the policy could alleviate pressures by making it easier to secure necessary labor, potentially boosting productivity and operations.
- American workers and unemployed individuals might experience indirect impacts, such as changes in job availability or wage structures, although these impacts could vary by industry and region.
- A significant number of workers inhabiting the country legally will be indirectly influenced, especially if the introduction of foreign workers affects the labor market conditions in their sectors.
- Given the constraints on program size and budget, the policy's initial impacts will likely be more observable in specific regions and sectors with acute shortages, rather than a widespread national effect.
Simulated Interviews
Farm Owner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could immensely help my farm get through the peak season without labor shortages.
- I'm concerned about fair pay expectations, but having a reliable workforce is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Construction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There might be more competition for jobs, but this act could stabilize employment in our sector if businesses thrive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
University Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a valuable case study in workforce dynamics and immigration policy impacts on local economies.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Healthcare Administrator (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy helps provide more workers for healthcare, it could relieve immense pressure on existing staff.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Manufacturing Manager (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Exemptions could fill critical roles, ensuring we meet production deadlines and reduce overtime pressures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Unemployed Software Specialist (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased IT professional availability might mean I have fewer opportunities, but if it revitalizes businesses, it could open new roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Restaurant Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Consistent staffing is essential. If more workers are available, it could help my business greatly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Supply Chain Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more labor could potentially alleviate bottlenecks, stabilizing supply chain operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how foreign labor might affect local employment and wages, but if it keeps businesses afloat, there might be positives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More tech talent would assist in driving innovation further, helping us maintain competitive edges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The duration of the policy's impact corresponds strictly with the years it's in effect, further determined by the Department of Labor.
- Consideration should be given to the administrative burden added on the DHS and its ability to process exemptions effectively.
- Monitoring of sector-specific wages and employment levels will be crucial to avoid any potentially negative impacts on domestic workers.