Bill Overview
Title: Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits the detention or removal of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Specifically, this protection from detention or removal shall apply to nationals of these countries who (1) entered the United States on or before January 1, 2008, (2) have continuously resided in the United States since entry, and (3) are subject to a final order of removal. Such individuals shall also receive employment authorization. The Department of Homeland Security must notify each individual covered by this bill, as well as information and instructions on how to file a motion to reopen removal proceedings.
Sponsors: Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47]
Target Audience
Population: People from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos facing deportation in the U.S.
Estimated Size: 15000
- The bill targets nationals from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos who are subject to a final order of removal.
- It specifies those who entered the U.S. on or before January 1, 2008, and have resided continuously in the U.S. since then.
- Various reports estimate tens of thousands of Southeast Asians in the U.S. are potentially affected by deportation proceedings.
- Historically, there have been significant communities of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian Americans due to post-war refugee resettlements in the U.S.
- Estimates from advocacy groups suggest that between 14,000 to 15,000 individuals might fall into the category of being subject to final orders of removal, but not all will meet all the criteria of this bill.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically targets a very niche group of people, which means most of the U.S. population will not be impacted.
- People already in stable jobs, stable immigration status, or outside the described demographics of the policy will see no impact.
- The policy aims to provide legal relief and integration support to a narrow set of Southeast Asian nationals, potentially improving their economic security and community stability.
- The budget allocated aims to cover legal processing, employment integration, and community support over the aimed period, considering the estimate of affected individuals and the administrative costs involved.
- The policy's anticipated effects will likely concentrate in areas with high populations of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian communities.
Simulated Interviews
Taxi driver (California)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fear of being deported anytime was very stressful.
- Having the chance to remain and work freely changes the outlook of my life positively.
- I can plan for my children's education now that I have some certainty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Healthcare assistant (Minnesota)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Now I can stay legally and continue working to support my family.
- This policy removes a constant stress and gives hope for the future.
- I hope to soon apply for better jobs with the security this provides.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Restaurant worker (Georgia)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been here almost my entire life and was facing removal, so this act really changes everything.
- Knowing I can stay lifts a heavy burden off my mind.
- I now feel like I can pursue more stable job opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Homemaker (Texas)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy allows me to stay near my family who are all in the US and were quite worried.
- I can now apply for work authorization, although I might find it hard due to my age.
- It's a relief knowing I won’t be forced back now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Freelancer (Ohio)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could really stabilize my living conditions.
- After years of uncertainty, I’ll finally be able to use my education without fear.
- The ability to work legally takes away a major barrier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Office cleaner (New York)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having lived most of my life in the US, the idea of deportation was terrifying.
- This policy could allow me to raise my family without fear.
- Employment authorization means more stability and opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Boat mechanic (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The constant anxiety over deportation has been exhausting.
- Relief through this policy means better focus at work and home.
- This also gives me a chance to secure my family’s future here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Retired (Massachusetts)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 1
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm too old to be relocated back to Cambodia with nothing.
- This policy offers dignity and, if needed, employment options.
- Ability to stay near my grandchildren is very important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Software developer (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My work and family life was under constant stress due to possible deportation.
- Stability offered by this policy means I can make long-term commitments now.
- Unlike before, I feel like an accepted member of this society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
University student (Illinois)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want to complete my degree and contribute here, not be removed to a place I barely remember.
- The act means I can pursue my dreams with assurance.
- I can apply for internships and jobs legally now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
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
- The policy affects nationals from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, potentially impacting 15,000 individuals.
- Operational capacity of the Department of Homeland Security will be crucial for successful implementation.
- Work authorization can enhance both economic contribution and social integration of the affected population.