Bill Overview
Title: Public Health and Border Security Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to meet conditions related to notification and planning before terminating certain restrictions on imports and individuals entering the United States. Current law authorizes HHS to restrict entries and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of communicable diseases. HHS exercised this authority as part of its COVID-19 response, including to allow for the expulsion of undocumented migrants at the border without any asylum processing. Under this bill, HHS may not terminate the restrictions for (1) at least 60 days after it notifies Congress of the end of the COVID-19 emergency, and (2) at least 30 days after it submits to Congress a plan for addressing the possible influx of migrants or imports resulting from lifting the restrictions.
Sponsors: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals potentially entering the United States during and after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, including undocumented migrants
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill impacts public health policy, particularly in relation to the management of communicable diseases at borders.
- The bill affects individuals who may be entering the United States, particularly those from foreign countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Since the bill includes measures that can influence migration policies, it impacts undocumented migrants who might be subject to expedited expulsion under public health policies.
- It indirectly impacts domestic and global health and border security stakeholders, including policymakers and health services managing cross-border disease transmission.
Reasoning
- The target population includes individuals potentially entering the US during and after COVID-19 restrictions.
- There will be a mix of stakeholders affected, such as those involved in border security and public health management.
- Be mindful of individuals who might not directly be impacted, such as certain US citizens whose daily life continues unaffected.
- Consider the impact on humanitarian organizations that deal with migrant rights and health advocacy.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is necessary to ensure there is a plan in place before changing current restrictions.
- It provides a clear framework for the transition period.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Undocumented Migrant (El Paso, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The restrictions make it hard to seek asylum, and the policy might delay my chances.
- I hope post-COVID easing can open opportunities for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Public Health Official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The planning requirement is a positive step to ensure readiness for any public health concerns.
- Consultations with Congress should ensure that all parties are informed and prepared.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
NGO Worker (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how continued restrictions will affect vulnerable populations.
- Adequate plans must prioritize humanitarian needs alongside health security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is necessary but hoping it doesn't delay imports too long, affecting business.
- Communication from HHS is crucial for planning our next steps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While primarily academic for me, observing real-time policy applications is fascinating.
- Ensuring disease control while reopening borders should balance public health and humanitarian aid.
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 |
Retired Immigrant (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems balanced but hopefully not too restrictive on worldwide movement.
- As someone who migrated, I think thorough planning is important to manage today’s challenges.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Healthcare Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The structured approach is reassuring as it can prevent future outbreaks.
- We need seamless coordination with border controls to maintain safeguards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Politician (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this are integral for handling migration safely and effectively.
- Ensuring public health safety while maintaining rights is at the core of federal responsibilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Technology Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Restrictions on entries impact international collaboration, but precautions are necessary.
- I trust the plans to balance mobility with safety.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $2000000)
Key Considerations
- The need for balance between health measures and border security in policy implementation.
- Impact on resource allocation within the Department of Health and Human Services and other government agencies involved in border processes.
- Implications for foreign policy and international cooperation in managing communicable diseases.