Bill Overview
Title: To provide supplemental appropriations for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to provide humanitarian relief for migrants, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill makes supplemental appropriations for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to provide shelter and other services to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., migrants).
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Migrants in need of humanitarian relief
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill affects the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, focusing on humanitarian relief for migrants.
- Migrants, especially those encountered by the Department of Homeland Security, are the primary target for assistance.
- The global migrant population is diverse, with millions displaced annually due to various factors such as conflict, economic hardship, and natural disasters.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to provide emergency food and shelter to migrants in need, so the primary beneficiaries will be migrants encountering DHS who lack basic shelter and food security.
- Secondary effects may be felt by local communities hosting these migrants, as the policy can alleviate the strain on local resources and charities.
- Given the budget constraints and the target population size, not every individual will be impacted; however, those who do encounter DHS and are experiencing significant insecurity will see the most immediate effects.
- The impact on the wellbeing of individuals will depend on their proximity to the services provided, as well as their current living situation. High-impact individuals will likely see substantial improvements in safety, nutrition, and general wellbeing.
- It's important to consider that while some individuals may see direct benefits, others may only experience indirect effects, such as reduced competition for local aid resources.
- Local communities may view this policy as beneficial or detrimental, depending on their capacity to accommodate the influx of aid-receiving migrants and the cultural attitudes towards immigration.
Simulated Interviews
undocumented migrant (Brownsville, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I just need a safe place to stay and food to eat.
- This program could change everything for me, giving me a chance to start anew.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
construction worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This funding helps keep families off the street, which is crucial for retaining community stability.
- It's beneficial not just for the migrants but for the overall welfare of the areas affected by migrant issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
volunteer shelter worker (McAllen, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill would greatly enhance our capacity to provide for those in desperate need.
- With more funding, we can offer more comprehensive support, not just shelter and meals, but counseling and job assistance.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
business owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the local economy sustaining an influx of new residents needing assistance.
- However, I do see the value in providing basic needs to those in crisis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
student (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this program shows the better side of humanity and responsibility to help.
- More cities could use support like this to deal with migrant crises efficiently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
local government worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This funding helps underpin our local social services with additional resources for migrant families.
- It will ease pressure on other social programs and allow them to function better overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
single mother (San Diego, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this program can help families like mine who are struggling.
- Any assistance can make a big difference in my children’s lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
retired (El Paso, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm encouraged by the possibility of additional resources to help people in need.
- My concern is whether the funds will reach those who truly need it.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a step in the right direction.
- But legislative changes and more community involvement are needed for long-term improvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
teacher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Assisting migrant families will benefit the children in my classes.
- Stable homes can lead to better academic outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 2: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The humanitarian necessity and potential relief to immigrant populations must be balanced with the fiscal capability of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
- Local community centers and organizations may experience strain without sufficient federal support, emphasizing the need for timely appropriations.