Bill Overview
Title: Venezuelan Adjustment Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant lawful permanent resident status to qualifying nationals of Venezuela. A national of Venezuela shall be eligible if that individual (1) applies for lawful permanent resident status no later than three years after this bill's enactment, (2) entered the United States on or before December 31, 2021, (3) has been continuously physically present in the United States for at least one year when filing their application, (4) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and (5) is not inadmissible under various grounds such as a conviction for an aggravated felony. Certain grounds for inadmissibility, such as the public charge ground, shall not apply. The spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an eligible individual shall also be eligible. If an individual has applied for lawful permanent resident status under this bill and is subject to exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, DHS may not order that individual's removal unless DHS has made a final determination to deny the application. DHS must provide work authorization to an individual whose application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide authorization before that.
Sponsors: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Target Audience
Population: Nationals of Venezuela currently residing in the United States
Estimated Size: 150000
- The primary individuals affected are the nationals of Venezuela currently residing in the United States.
- There is a specific cutoff date of entry (on or before December 31, 2021), which limits the number of eligible Venezuelans.
- The legislation also impacts the immediate family members (spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter) of eligible individuals.
- US residents and citizens are indirectly affected, particularly through community and local economic impacts.
Reasoning
- The policy directly benefits Venezuelans who are eligible for lawful permanent resident status, many of whom may experience improved stability and well-being due to legal status and work authorization.
- Family members of eligible Venezuelans will similarly benefit, as family unity is preserved.
- Indirect benefits are expected for communities with significant Venezuelan populations, potentially enhancing local economies and integration.
- US citizens and other residents may see no direct change in well-being, as they are not the targets of this policy, though community cohesion may increase.
- Budget constraints imply that not all eligible individuals may be processed immediately. The budget accommodates processing over a 10-year period, which may affect the timeline of impact.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that this policy will provide us with permanent status, which will make life a lot more stable for our family.
- Currently, I'm anxious about the future, but this policy could ease a lot of our worries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Software Developer (Arlington, VA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Acquiring permanent residency would enhance my career possibilities significantly.
- While I'm currently stable, having residency would secure my future in the US.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Permanency means my kids will have a future here without fear of being uprooted.
- It's important for us to earn legally and contribute openly to society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act will allow me to expand my business without fear of sudden deportation.
- Stability is crucial for planning and investment in my business.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The adjustment act would remove barriers to internships and career opportunities post-graduation.
- Worrying about visa status is an ongoing stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Hospitality Worker (Orlando, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having permanent residency would mean job security and the ability to plan for the future.
- Every renewal period comes with uncertainty and fear.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy simplifies things for my family and I.
- I'm already living quite comfortably thanks to my job, but legal permanence would be reassuring.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about my ability to remain close to my family without resident status.
- Having stability in my retirement years is my biggest concern.
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 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Chef (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being officially accepted and recognized here would allow me to advance professionally.
- Each day is a question mark without proper documentation.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Freelance Journalist (Dallas, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Permanent residency would enable me to work freely and explore different career paths without fear.
- Right now, I'm limited in my ability to accept certain jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $225000000, High: $375000000)
Year 3: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $150000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The number of eligible individuals estimated to apply is about 150,000.
- A significant portion of the cost will be administrative and front-loaded in the first three years.
- Long-term economic integration depends on successful implementation of work permits and immigrant services.