Bill Overview
Title: Protect Afghan Students Act of 2022
Description: This bill removes the residency requirements to be eligible for a student visa (F visa) for certain individuals who last habitually resided in Afghanistan.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who last habitually resided in Afghanistan and are seeking student visas
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill pertains to individuals who last habitually resided in Afghanistan, which suggests it targets Afghan nationals or people who have been living in Afghanistan.
- It specifically addresses the eligibility criteria for student visas to the United States (F visa), which is a popular category for international students.
- Given the crisis and instability in Afghanistan following the U.S. military withdrawal in August 2021, many Afghan individuals have been displaced, both internally and internationally, and seek educational opportunities abroad.
- According to the United Nations, as of late 2021, there were several hundred thousand Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide, a number that likely includes prospective students.
- The exact number of individuals who habitually resided in Afghanistan and are seeking education opportunities abroad is difficult to pinpoint, but it can be assumed to be in the tens of thousands globally.
Reasoning
- The budget of $15,000,000 in the first year suggests that a limited number of individuals will directly benefit from the policy, likely those most urgently in need or who have immediate educational opportunities waiting.
- A target population of approximately 5,000 suggests that while the policy is significant for those affected, it represents a small fraction of the U.S. student body or the overall Afghan refugee community.
- Most interviewed individuals should be either directly eligible under the policy or representing groups that interact with or are potentially impacted by this demographic change, such as educators or policymakers.
- There will also be some interviews with individuals indirectly or marginally affected, such as students or professionals from the Afghan diaspora in the U.S.
- Given the capped budget, the policy is expected to prioritize individuals with pending educational applications or those who previously faced barriers due to residency requirements.
- The simulated population will reflect both the direct and indirect impact of the policy, balancing immediate beneficiaries with those observing broader societal impacts.
Simulated Interviews
International student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been trying to secure my F visa for months, and this policy would streamline the process significantly for me.
- It's a relief to know that I might not be penalized for my disrupted residency history due to the conflict.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Immigration attorney (Washington D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for the clients I support. It removes a significant barrier and provides more clarity.
- I anticipate an increase in applicant numbers but also potential delays as the system adjusts.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Afghan community worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a welcomed change for our community. Many bright students were lost due to kinks in the residency rules.
- Greater access to education abroad can help individuals and the community as a whole.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
High school student (Houston, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was worried about my visa situation after high school, so this change comes as a big relief.
- It's good to know that policies are adapting to current situations and not leaving people like me stranded.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
University admissions officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We expect more applicants, which is great for diversity but also requires increased administrative readiness.
- This policy can open more doors for deserving students hindered by prior residency requirements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Journalist (Fairfax, VA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a significant policy shift for Afghan students, making education more accessible amidst crisis.
- However, it offers limited comfort unless paired with broader asylum and support services.
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 |
Refugee support volunteer (Boston, MA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Removing residency barriers allows more young Afghans to pursue U.S. education, opening new paths for displaced individuals.
- It aligns well with ongoing efforts to support Afghan evacuees but needs complementary resources.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Fremont, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act might not directly impact my business, but it supports the wellbeing of the broader Afghan community.
- Educated individuals can contribute more effectively, leading to potential business growth.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Policy analyst (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a strategic adaptation to the current crisis, aiding in humanitarian and educational avenues.
- Success depends on implementation and support structures, including funding and educational capacity.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Grad student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It combines personal relief with academic interest as I see this opening up new research opportunities for my peers and me.
- There may be challenges in matching policy intent with execution, especially given resource constraints.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The potential increase in student visa applications may require expansion of consular processing capacity.
- Long-term educational and economic integration requires supporting policy for student retention post-graduation.