Bill Overview
Title: BOND Act of 2022
Description: This bill amends provisions related to the detention of non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law). For example, the bill (1) increases to $3,000 (currently $1,500) the minimum amount of a security bond that the Department of Homeland Security may require before releasing a detained non-U.S. national from custody while a decision is pending as to whether to remove that non-U.S. national from the United States, (2) allows for the detention of a non-U.S. national who is a suspected terrorist for up to 30 days (currently 7 days) before that individual must be placed in removal proceedings or charged with a crime, and (3) increases the length of time such an individual may be detained.
Sponsors: Rep. Cawthorn, Madison [R-NC-11]
Target Audience
Population: Non-U.S. nationals subject to detention by the Department of Homeland Security in the USA
Estimated Size: 0
- The legislation directly affects non-U.S. nationals who are subject to detention by the Department of Homeland Security. This includes those currently in detention and future detainees.
- Particularly, non-U.S. nationals who are eligible for release on bond will be impacted as the minimum bond amount has increased.
- Those who are suspected of terrorism will be directly impacted by the provisions allowing for extended detention before charges must be filed.
Reasoning
- The BOND Act of 2022 primarily impacts non-U.S. nationals, especially those in detention or facing the possibility of detention. This includes individuals currently detained, those who may be detained in the future, and their communities.
- The increased bond amount could strain the financial resources of detained individuals and their families, potentially affecting their wellbeing and financial stability.
- The extension of detention for suspected terrorists, while aimed at enhancing national security, may lead to prolonged uncertainty and stress for those affected and their families.
- While the policy is designed with a budget cap, its effect on wellbeing isn't limited to financial implications but also encompasses psychological and social dimensions.
- The geographic and demographic distribution of affected individuals varies, meaning impacts may be concentrated in areas with larger immigrant populations or mixed-status families.
Simulated Interviews
Restaurant Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry every day about my partner. Increasing the bond makes things even harder for us.
- Even if my partner gets out, how will we pay $3,000? It's a huge sum for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Software Developer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We're extremely anxious; my wife's case is pending and any increase in detention or bond affects us.
- While I support national security, the human cost is significant. We need balanced policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
School Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the effects on students and their families every day. It's heartbreaking to witness the stress of possibly being detained longer.
- Policies like these create fear and uncertainty in our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- When I was detained, it felt like life stopped. The new $3,000 bond would have made it impossible for my family.
- Longer detention only adds to our stress and insecurity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Community Organizer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a setback for the progress we've been making in supporting our communities.
- We need policies that recognize and support, not penalize, vulnerable people in our country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My business relies on immigrant labor, and these changes could disrupt operations.
- There needs to be a balance between security and practicality for businesses like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's frightening to live with the constant threat of detention. The changes make it feel even more precarious.
- More and more, it feels like we're not wanted here, despite contributing to society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Retired (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these take us backwards. My grandchildren and their friends deserve better.
- We need to focus on solutions that offer pathways, not punitive measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Tech Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From a business perspective, these policies could hinder the flow of international talent.
- We must ensure that security policies do not stifle innovation and growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Law Enforcement Officer (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the necessity for security measures, but they must be carefully balanced with human rights.
- Extended detentions could become problematic if not carefully managed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $50500000 (Low: $40400000, High: $70700000)
Year 3: $51005000 (Low: $40804000, High: $71407000)
Year 5: $52025000 (Low: $41612000, High: $72828100)
Year 10: $55000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $77000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $140000000)
Key Considerations
- The operational capacity and funding needs of DHS detention facilities might be stretched given the potential increase in detainee numbers.
- There may be legal and human rights considerations regarding extended detention times, especially related to suspected terrorists.
- The legislation might impact international relations due to changes in U.S. immigration and detention policies, especially with countries whose citizens are frequently detained.