Bill Overview
Title: Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations with ASEAN Act
Description: This bill establishes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) shall be covered by the International Organizations Immunities Act, which provides immunities and privileges to certain international organizations, such as immunity from certain lawsuits and exemption from property taxes. (ASEAN is Southeast Asia's primary multilateral organization. It has 10 member nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.)
Sponsors: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20]
Target Audience
Population: People in ASEAN countries
Estimated Size: 4500000
- ASEAN is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 10 Southeast Asian countries.
- By granting ASEAN international organization status, the bill changes how ASEAN can interact legally with the United States including immunity from certain legal actions and taxes.
- This status might affect diplomatic relations and economic transactions between ASEAN member states and the United States.
- The population of ASEAN countries is approximately 655 million people, who could indirectly benefit from improved relations with the United States through economic and political means.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects certain American populations directly engaged with ASEAN nations and individuals of Southeast Asian descent within the US. Our simulated interviews will cover these target groups, along with other Americans who may perceive indirect benefits or remain unaffected.
- Given the budget constraints, the primary financial impacts in the US should involve diplomatic, legal, and economic sectors due to changes in ASEAN member interactions.
- While the policy serves ASEAN's broader interests, its effects on Americans will be concentrated on those involved in international relations and trade, as well as Southeast Asian communities in the US expected to benefit through indirect cultural and economic exchanges.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is beneficial for strengthening diplomatic ties.
- Immunity and tax benefits for ASEAN should streamline international interactions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Tech Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced relations with ASEAN are likely to facilitate easier market entry.
- The financial implications on international transactions may be profound.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Oil Industry Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy should reduce legal complexities in Southeast Asian ventures.
- Immunity clauses could lighten the administrative burden.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
University Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved US-ASEAN relations are positive for educational and cultural opportunities.
- The bill's focus on immunity is sensible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Export Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- ASEAN's new status could lead to smoother trades due to fewer restrictions.
- The potential increase in shipping efficiencies is desirable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Leader (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This status promotes a more inclusive environment for my community.
- Could facilitate better educational resources and exchange programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Freelance Writer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy seems largely symbolic but has great potential.
- Hope for more coverage and cultural output stemming from better ASEAN relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could indirectly benefit educational exchanges in the long run.
- Mostly neutral, but optimistic about future implications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
NGO Worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential for streamlined operations in the region due to the policy.
- Hope for increased dialogue and cooperation.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
International Trade Lawyer (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal immunity could be a double-edged sword, saving client costs but reducing leverage in disputes.
- Policy is professionally advantageous.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill has significant geopolitical and diplomatic considerations, potentially enhancing U.S. relations with ASEAN nations.
- Tax exemptions and immunities granted can facilitate better diplomatic engagement but may slightly affect public perception of fairness in international organization treatment.