Bill Overview
Title: JASON Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend the entry of all non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) or any class of non-U.S. nationals for up to 60 days, if DHS determines that allowing the entry of such individuals would be detrimental to the United States. The bill also establishes that in certain situations, it shall be presumed to be detrimental to allow the entry of any non-U.S. national into the United States, such when the increase in the number of DHS apprehensions at land borders exceed certain thresholds.
Sponsors: Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]
Target Audience
Population: Non-U.S. nationals who could be affected by entry suspensions to the U.S.
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The JASON Act impacts non-U.S. nationals as it allows for the suspension of their entry into the United States.
- Worldwide, there are millions of non-U.S. nationals who travel internationally, who may potentially be impacted by such legislation.
- The act impacts the freedom of movement and travel plans of individuals who may be visiting the U.S. for tourism, business, education, or other personal reasons, thus impacting a global population.
Reasoning
- The JASON Act primarily affects non-U.S. nationals, whose entry into the U.S. can be restricted. This affects tourism, business, education, and family connections.
- The policy has an immediate effect on border dynamics and can indirectly affect U.S. sectors that rely on international visitors.
- Budget constraints limit the policy's scale, requiring prioritization of the most pressing situations where entry is considered detrimental.
- Interview responses should reflect a mix of affected non-U.S. nationals, U.S. employers, and communities relying on international travel.
Simulated Interviews
University Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the impact on my students and research collaborations.
- This bill could disrupt academic exchange and diminish cultural diversity in my classes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy makes me anxious about travel restrictions if I need to visit family.
- I understand security concerns but worry about its impact on my ability to return from visiting home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Travel Agency Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could drastically reduce my business volume.
- Client trust is shaken when travel becomes uncertain.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Small Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fear a downturn because foreign tourists are a substantial part of my customer base.
- This is a strong hit to the local economy and my suppliers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
International Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm afraid of not being able to reunite with my family if the policy is enacted.
- The uncertainty of travel is causing me a lot of stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the emphasis on security, but it could affect our family vacations and visits.
- It's frustrating to plan around potential travel restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- International partnerships are key to my business, and travel uncertainty could hinder growth.
- I'm worried about maintaining strong ties with my partners abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Tourist Guide (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fewer tourists could mean job insecurity for me and my colleagues.
- I'm worried about the local economy that thrives on foreign visitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Immigration Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy complicates casework and increases uncertainties for my clients.
- Each suspension adds a layer of distress for individuals and families concerned about their future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Theme Park Manager (Orlando, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The impact on tourism will hit hard, affecting jobs and local GDP.
- The uncertainty in visitor numbers makes planning and staffing challenging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $80000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $75000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $35000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $50000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $40000000)
Key Considerations
- Implementation challenges and expenses for DHS in determining and enforcing entry suspensions.
- Legal and diplomatic implications of broadly restricting entry could result in international tensions and legal costs.
- Indirect economic impacts on industries like tourism, education, and technology that depend on international visitors.