Bill Overview
Title: Border Bonds for America Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to issue up to $5 billion in bonds in a fiscal year, with proceeds going into a trust fund for the construction of reinforced fencing, physical barriers, and related infrastructure for the southwest border with Mexico. Treasury may issue such bonds for 30 years from the bill's enactment date. The bill also authorizes Treasury to accept gifts of money for the same purpose.
Sponsors: Rep. Palazzo, Steven M. [R-MS-4]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living near or crossing the US-Mexico border
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The legislation focuses on constructing reinforced fencing and physical barriers along the southwest border with Mexico.
- It will directly affect populations living near the US-Mexico border, particularly in border towns and cities.
- The bill will impact US citizens who reside in the southern border states, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
- The construction of border infrastructure could affect immigration patterns, thus impacting migrants and asylum seekers predominantly from Latin America.
- There are likely economic impacts for businesses and workers involved in construction contracts or border security.
- It could potentially influence Mexico-US diplomatic relations, impacting citizens residing in Mexico.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts residents near the US-Mexico border, especially those living in border cities and towns in states like Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
- Residents and businesses in these areas may experience changes in local economies and security measures due to the construction and enhancement of border infrastructure.
- Some segments of the population, especially those who work in industries related to construction or border security, might gain employment opportunities, whereas others may face disruption in daily life.
- Immigrants or individuals with crossing patterns related to family ties, trade, or work might experience psychological and logistical impacts from increased border barriers.
- The cost and budget constraints of the policy indicate that while the infrastructure development is substantial, it is also limited to certain sections initially, affecting only parts of the border population.
- Given the diverse political, economic, and social implications, opinions about the policy may vary significantly across different demographics.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe in strong border security to ensure safety.
- Construction of new barriers might aid in more efficient operations at the border.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (San Diego, California)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The construction might deter some of my regular customers who come from Mexico.
- I am concerned about the business impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired Educator (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how this affects our immigrant community and their well-being.
- Fences might hurt relationships with our neighbors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Construction Manager (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might open new job opportunities for me and my team.
- It helps secure contracts for the company.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (McAllen, Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased barriers might strain local relationships and limit access to cross-border healthcare for some families.
- I foresee changes in community health dynamics.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am worried about how this will affect my family's ability to visit relatives across the border.
- The policy seems unnecessary to me.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Immigration Lawyer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy might lead to more human rights issues and less immigration for needy families.
- It seems like a step back for humanitarian progress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Border Trader (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for disruption in the trading business between the two sides.
- It feels like it's introducing more division.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Teacher (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our students from immigrant families may face increased hardships.
- I fear the policy could stigmatize border communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Photographer (Nogales, Arizona)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides a unique subject for my work, but it saddens me to see more barriers.
- I hope to capture the real impacts on people's lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- Interest rates on bonds issued will directly influence the cost of financing over time.
- Policy impacts depend on the actual efficacy of the infrastructure in achieving desired security outcomes.
- Diplomatic considerations with Mexico could have wide-ranging effects beyond direct fiscal costs.
- Fiscal savings from border security may not become apparent until years after construction is completed.