Bill Overview
Title: Border Airport Enhancement Act of 2022
Description: This bill waives the polygraph requirement for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents for certain applicants who are law enforcement officers or members (or veterans) of the Armed Forces. The bill also requires the President to designate the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, TX, and the Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY, as ports of entry.
Sponsors: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. citizens
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The bill impacts U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by altering hiring processes, specifically waiving the polygraph requirement for certain applicants.
- This change can affect the hiring pool of CBP officers, which could indirectly affect all U.S. citizens by possibly influencing border security.
- Designating Valley International Airport and Plattsburgh International Airport as ports of entry will affect travelers and goods moving through these locations.
- Local populations in Harlingen, TX, and Plattsburgh, NY, will be directly impacted by changes in airport operations.
Reasoning
- The policy directly influences the hiring process for CBP, potentially affecting law enforcement officers and military personnel eligible for roles in CBP without a polygraph test, which could make it easier for qualified staffing in these roles. Consequently, this could impact border security efficiency.
- The financial aspect limits direct extensive infrastructure changes at the designated airports but allows for initial setup and some operational expansions to increase processing capacity and facilities for international flights.
- The local economies of Harlingen, TX, and Plattsburgh, NY, might see economic benefits due to increased transit and freight operations, impacting local businesses and employment.
- General U.S. citizens might not feel immediate changes in everyday life, but over the longer term could experience different efficiencies at the border or when traveling internationally.
- The budget constraint means that only essential adjustments could be made in year 1, focusing on basic infrastructure and staffing backups while planning for future expansions within the 10-year budget.
Simulated Interviews
CBP Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The waiver for polygraphs could speed up the hiring process and save costs, which is great for getting competent officers on board quickly.
- There's always concern about maintaining integrity and security without polygraph tests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Harlingen, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating the airport as a port of entry could boost the local economy and bring in more customers.
- I'm hopeful but worried about increased congestion and noise.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
School Teacher (Plattsburgh, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased traffic through the airport can enhance exposure to cultural exchange, which benefits educational experiences.
- Concerns about safety and resource allocation in the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Senior (New York, NY)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Waiving the polygraph is concerning from a security standpoint, given it might lower the bar for entry into such crucial roles.
- Support for veterans in the ease of transferring to roles that leverage their skills is positive.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting to see how this impacts hiring and security at borders, might use it to study policy impact for my thesis.
- No immediate personal impact, more of academic interest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Logistics Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More ports of entry can potentially facilitate faster clearance times for shipments, improving efficiency.
- Concerned about potential initial delays due to adaptation to new posts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
HR Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Removing polygraph requirements sounds risky without process validation but could help in filling posts more quickly.
- Interested in how it influences the diversity and skills in the hiring pool.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Business Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating more entry points could decentralize congestion at major hubs, possibly aiding local economy.
- It's a wait and see on real impact as infrastructure and services need to adequately support the shift.
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 | 7 |
Software Developer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Curious how tech solutions might now play a bigger role with reduced polygraph requirements in recruitment.
- Minimal personal impact but interest in tech contribution to security.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Local Government Official (Plattsburgh, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Positive that Plattsburgh is gaining a port of entry; can be a catalyst for regional growth.
- Am concerned about unforeseen costs and resource needs that accompany such changes.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $16000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $14000000)
Year 5: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $10000 (Low: $10000, High: $10000)
Key Considerations
- The initial costs may be mitigated by economic activities spurred by increased aviation traffic.
- The impact on border security and efficiency gains in CBP hiring must be weighed against potential costs.
- Long-term operational costs at new ports of entry are significant but can be managed with efficient planning.