Bill Overview
Title: Border Security and Migrant Safety Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes within U.S. Customs and Border Protection a dedicated intelligence cell focused on sharing information related to (1) concentrated surges of migrants arriving at a U.S. land border, and (2) illicit smuggling and trafficking that may pose a threat to a U.S. land border. The bill also makes permanent the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to establish departmental joint task forces for various purposes.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: Migrants and residents at U.S. land borders
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill is aimed at addressing issues at the U.S. land borders, particularly concerning migrant surges and illicit activities like smuggling.
- Migrant populations attempting to cross into the U.S. will be impacted as the bill focuses on handling surges of migrants at land borders.
- Communities at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders might experience changes in border security operations, impacting residents' interactions and economic conditions.
- Individuals involved in smuggling and trafficking will be affected due to increased monitoring and effort to curb these activities.
- This bill will influence U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security's operations, affecting its employees and resources.
Reasoning
- The policy directly affects communities at U.S. land borders, targeting both migrants and residents within these regions.
- Funding constraints necessitate a selective approach, focusing on areas with the most significant migrant surges and illicit activities, particularly at the southern U.S. border.
- Effects on local economies might vary, with some regions potentially experiencing positive impacts due to improved safety and others facing challenges due to stricter border controls.
- Individuals working in border security may experience enhanced job security and increased responsibilities, affecting their wellbeing.
- Migrant populations are directly impacted by changes in border processing times and safety measures; their wellbeing can be significantly affected by both positive and negative outcomes of policy implementation.
- The commonness score had to account for the targeted nature of the policy and its implications predominantly on border communities and related occupations.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will likely streamline operations and improve safety both for agents and migrants.
- Increased focus on intelligence might mean better resource allocation.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Shop Owner (San Diego, California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased border control might reduce my business traffic from Mexico.
- I understand the need for safety but worry about economic impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Migrant Rights Advocate (Nogales, Arizona)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might increase safety but should also respect migrant rights and humane treatment.
- Monitoring for trafficking is important but should not lead to unjust detentions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Customs Officer (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased intelligence sharing could streamline my work at the border.
- I'm not sure how it will affect our day-to-day operations yet.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While increased border control might deter crime, it could also slow down trade operations.
- I'm hopeful for a balanced approach that supports both safety and commerce.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried that my family might face longer wait times and scrutiny when visiting.
- If implemented well, this could enhance peace of mind regarding border safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about cross-border delays getting worse with more security checks.
- Enhanced safety is a plus, but efficiency must be maintained.
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 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired (San Ysidro, California)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen issues in the past, I'm supportive if this improves safety without escalating tensions.
- Hopeful that stricter measures will lead to a safer neighborhood.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Customs Broker (Buffalo, New York)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase demand for customs brokerage services.
- However, if mishandled, it might complicate paperwork and logistics.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Community Organizer (Laredo, Texas)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might create more legal challenges for migrants.
- Stricter monitoring is essential, but support structures must also be fortified.
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 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 3: $13000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $15000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $17000000)
Year 10: $18000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring the operational effectiveness of the new intelligence cell is crucial for realizing potential efficiencies and savings.
- Coordination among departmental joint task forces must be managed effectively to minimize additional bureaucracy.
- The long-term sustainability of projected savings will depend on how well interagency collaboration is maintained and improved.