Bill Overview
Title: Support for Iranian Political Prisoners Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of State to continue providing assistance to civil society organizations in Iran that support arbitrarily detained individuals. The bill calls on Iran to immediately end human rights violations of political prisoners and persons imprisoned for exercising freedom of speech. The bill also calls on Iran to allow the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights unimpeded access to investigate alleged abuses.
Sponsors: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]
Target Audience
Population: People in Iran affected by political imprisonment and their supporters
Estimated Size: 1000
- The legislation focuses on human rights abuses in Iran, particularly concerning political prisoners.
- Political prisoners in Iran, who are detained for their political beliefs, activism, or expression, are the primary beneficiaries of this bill.
- Civil society organizations in Iran working to support these prisoners will also be impacted, as the bill authorizes assistance to them.
- Indirectly, the families of these political prisoners will see an impact, as improved conditions or release of prisoners benefits them.
- The Iranian government and relevant judicial systems may experience pressure from international attention and potential investigations.
- The broader Iranian population interested in political reform and human rights will be influenced by the outcomes of this bill, as it could lead to increased civil liberties.
Reasoning
- The US population affected by this policy is relatively small, mainly comprising direct stakeholders such as US citizens with familial ties to Iranian political prisoners, advocacy groups, and larger human rights organizations.
- The policy's impact is primarily moral and indirect for most of the US population, with direct effects only on those with close connections to Iran.
- Budget constraints limit the breadth of the policy's impact. However, within its scope, it provides measurable enhancements to the well-being of impacted families and advocacy workers.
- Wellbeing improvements in the impactful group are assessed based on potential positive changes in their relatives' or peers' situations in Iran.
Simulated Interviews
Human Rights Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy can make a real difference for those unjustly held in Iran.
- Aid to civil society groups is crucial for putting pressure on the Iranian government.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction, but more systematic changes are needed.
- Continued support and monitoring are essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If implemented effectively, the policy could bring more international attention to Iranian human rights abuses.
- It's critical to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I long for a future where my family in Iran can speak freely without fear.
- Such policies provide a glimmer of hope, but much more is needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Retired Educator (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could have a positive educational impact by increasing awareness.
- It aligns with my values of promoting democratic ideals globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Public Relations Specialist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this can help shift public opinion and policy focus.
- With proper management, the policy has the potential to do substantial good.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about international efforts like this, but cautious about the real impact.
- Hopefully, it will inspire more youth to engage with global issues.
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 |
NGO Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's heartening to see official support for such an essential cause.
- The success of this policy could set a precedent for future interventions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While my business doesn't rely on these policies, I support any action that benefits human rights.
- It's crucial for the US to stand up for justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Professor (Portland, OR)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy could significantly enhance academic discourse on international human rights.
- It's a positive reinforcement of the US's role in global human rights advocacy.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $10500000 (Low: $9000000, High: $13000000)
Year 3: $11000000 (Low: $9500000, High: $13500000)
Year 5: $11500000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 10: $12000000 (Low: $10500000, High: $14500000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Estimating costs of international assistance can vary based on factors like exchange rates, local conditions, or changes in operational costs.
- Potential long-term diplomatic benefits from improved human rights conditions, which can promote better relations and regional stability.
- Possible opposition or diplomatic tension with the Iranian government, which might affect implementation or costs.