Bill Overview
Title: Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929
Description: This bill expands eligibility for a program that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to, at its discretion, provide lawful permanent resident status to certain long-term residents of the United States, including individuals who are unlawfully present. Currently, this program, sometimes referred to as the Registry program, is only available to eligible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who entered the United States before January 1, 1972. The bill removes this entry cutoff date and opens up the program to eligible individuals who have resided in the United States for at least seven years. Existing requirements (e.g., the individual must not be inadmissible or deportable due to certain grounds related to crime or terrorism) continue to apply.
Sponsors: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Target Audience
Population: Long-term residents of the United States without lawful permanent resident status
Estimated Size: 11000000
- The bill targets non-U.S. nationals who have been long-term residents in the U.S. but do not currently hold lawful permanent resident status.
- The removal of the entry cutoff date of January 1, 1972, significantly expands the eligible population to include those who have been in the U.S. for at least seven years regardless of their initial entry date.
- Many eligible individuals might be those who have overstayed their visas or entered without formal documentation but have lived in the U.S. sufficiently long.
- The global scope is largely irrelevant as this legislation primarily affects those already within the United States.
- Statistical data suggests there are millions of undocumented immigrants present in the U.S. who might benefit from such legal provisions.
Reasoning
- We should include individuals who have been in the U.S. for at least seven years and are currently without legal permanent residency, as they are directly impacted by the change in policy.
- We need to cover a range of backgrounds including different occupations, ages, and family statuses to reflect diversity within the affected population.
- We must not exceed the budget in terms of administering the program, so we might expect medium impact on those eligible due to limited resources.
- Incorporating people outside the eligible population will provide a contrast and allow us to see the broader influence of such policy changes.
- The policy likely has cost implications related to social programs, potential increases in tax contributions, and the economic integration of these individuals.
Simulated Interviews
Domestic worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been living in fear of deportation and unable to access benefits due to my status.
- Gaining permanent residency would mean stability for my children and me.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Construction worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal status would allow me to work legally and better support my family.
- I could invest in our future without constantly worrying about deportation.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Restaurant server (New York City, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being able to stay without fear would allow me to pursue better jobs and education.
- I want to contribute more fully to society here, but my status holds me back.
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 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Small business owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm contributing to the local economy and employ several people; legal status would remove uncertainties.
- The policy would validate everything I've built here.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would mean I can remain in the U.S. for my career without issues.
- Would provide peace of mind and allow me to plan long-term.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Caretaker (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gaining legal residency would be a relief at my age.
- I want to enjoy my life without worrying about my past.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
IT Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Permanent residency would allow me to invest more in my professional development.
- I could take full advantage of job opportunities without restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cook (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I can seek medical care without fear with legal status.
- This would reduce my stress levels significantly.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Denver, CO)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Permanent residency would connect me closer to my family here.
- I could consider protected retirement options.
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 | 6 |
Entrepreneur (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm already thriving; legal residency would enhance my ability to expand my business.
- Would solidify my sense of belonging in the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $520000000 (Low: $416000000, High: $624000000)
Year 3: $540800000 (Low: $432640000, High: $648960000)
Year 5: $583200000 (Low: $466560000, High: $699840000)
Year 10: $673876480 (Low: $539101184, High: $808651776)
Year 100: $673876480 (Low: $539101184, High: $808651776)
Key Considerations
- The administrative capacity of the Department of Homeland Security to process potentially high application volumes.
- The need for outreach activities to inform eligible individuals about the change in legislation.
- Potential legal and political challenges concerning immigration reform.