Bill Overview
Title: Preventing Terrorist Entry Act of 2022
Description: This bill bars non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are former members or representatives of terrorist organizations from admission into the United States. (Current law bars current members and representatives.)
Sponsors: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
Target Audience
Population: Former members or representatives of terrorist organizations outside the US
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The legislation targets non-U.S. nationals, referred to as 'aliens' under federal law.
- It specifically impacts individuals who are former members or representatives of terrorist organizations.
- The primary goal of the bill is to prevent these individuals from being admitted into the United States.
- Current law already prohibits current members and representatives of terrorist organizations; this bill extends the prohibition.
- Impacted individuals are likely to be from regions with known terrorist activity.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically targets non-US nationals who are former members or representatives of terrorist organizations, having no direct impact on US citizens.
- The main aim is to bolster national security by preventing potential security threats from entering the US.
- Indirect effects may be observed among those working in immigration, international law, or industries like travel where visa processes might change.
- The policy's long-term intentions suggest enhanced national security could lead to possibly higher wellbeing scores for US citizens who perceive an increase in safety.
- Given the budgetary limits, only a limited range of monitoring and enforcement actions may be carried out, affecting the extent of impact on perceived security among the population.
Simulated Interviews
Customs and Border Protection Officer (New York City, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems to make our job more about background checks and less about helping people.
- I worry about potential profiling issues that could arise from this policy.
- I do feel it might make things safer, but it could slow down processes at the border.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech industry (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could make it harder to hire international talents and diversify our team.
- I'm concerned it might affect our relations with international partners if they view it negatively.
- On the upside, it promises greater safety which is always reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Immigration Lawyer (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will definitely alter how I advise my clients.
- I'm worried about how this could complicate cases where people are trying to escape dangerous situations.
- However, if it means increased security for citizens, there's some value in that.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns with our security goals and could enhance safety.
- Budget constraints might limit enforcement capabilities.
- Public perception might not change much unless direct incidents are prevented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
University Professor (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could affect our research partnerships and student exchanges.
- It's crucial to consider the diplomatic ramifications globally.
- It could have an indirect effect on baseline security perceptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Travel Agency Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Travel regulations could become even more complicated with this policy.
- It might scare potential clients away amidst increased scrutiny.
- Yet I recognize the importance of prioritizing national security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Grad Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's complex to assess policies that target specific groups, especially if they were former members.
- There's academic interest in evaluating its legal standing.
- It might shape future policy courses I take.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Nonprofit Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this can have a ripple impact on people seeking safety.
- It might lead to fear among those already here legally...
- But, if it does increase safety it could ease concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy introduces new elements for immigration investigations.
- Efficacy will depend on the magnitude of budget allocations.
- There'll be public discourse impacts as opinions will vary widely.
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 | 8 |
Retiree (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If it results in more safety, that’s a plus.
- I'm a bit removed from these issues, but it's good to be informed.
- I trust that those in charge will apply necessary measures responsibly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill could affect relationships with countries whose nationals are most likely to be affected.
- Successful implementation requires international cooperation on intelligence and data sharing regarding terrorist activities.
- There may be political and diplomatic costs related to perceptions of the U.S. immigration policy.
- Legal costs could arise from potential challenges or disputes on the grounds of due process.