Bill Overview
Title: PAUSE Act of 2022
Description: This bill maintains immigration restrictions put in place under public health emergency authorities to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 from foreign countries. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from rescinding or reducing the stringency of the restrictions. It also prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from stopping or reducing enforcement of the restrictions. These prohibitions remain in effect until (1) federal and state COVID-19 emergency orders are lifted, and (2) the risk of introducing COVID-19 in or from Canada and Mexico is minimal.
Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals globally affected by US COVID-19 related immigration restrictions
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill affects immigration regulations, specifically regarding individuals entering from foreign countries.
- Immigration restrictions impact foreign nationals intending to travel to the United States from countries affected by these measures.
- The key population includes travelers, immigrants, and asylum seekers from foreign countries, particularly those traveling from or through Canada and Mexico.
- These restrictions would also impact the individuals and families of those who are prohibited or delayed upon entry, affecting a broader network of people globally.
- People with business or tourism travel interests into the United States could be affected, although the impact on the resident population is indirect.
- Risks of prolonging family separations among transnational families are a direct outcome.
Reasoning
- The PAUSE Act of 2022 primarily affects immigration processes, which influence people such as foreign nationals, immigrants, and travelers coming to the US from countries required to comply with the Act's measures.
- Though the direct impact is on foreign nationals, US residents with ties to these entrants could experience indirect effects, such as prolonged family separation or business disruptions.
- Communities near borders and cities with significant immigrant populations could see variations in economic activity and population flow, which might change individual and community wellbeing scores.
- Transient changes in business and travel dynamics could also influence Americans with business connections across borders, especially sectors reliant on cross-border travel and international employees.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think maintaining restrictions is critical to controlling COVID-19 here, especially with the constant flow of people across the border.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
International Business Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These restrictions make it very difficult to maintain business relations and visit family, adding stress to my personal and professional life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 8 |
Hotel Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tourism is down; these restrictions only make recovery harder as less international visitors lead to reduced revenue and job cutbacks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 9 |
Small Business Owner (El Paso, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy means tighter border control, which might affect my business operations significantly. Additionally, it complicates family visits due to travel restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 7 |
NGO Worker - Immigration Rights (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy complicates reunification processes for families and could perpetuate hardships for those already struggling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
University Professor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From a public health perspective, temporary restrictions might be necessary, but prolonged policies could become more harmful than helpful in long-term community health dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Travel restrictions limit academic experience acquisition worldwide. I've missed international conferences I had planned to attend and connecting with family abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 9 |
Healthcare Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The restrictions may reduce the influx of COVID-19 here, but they also notably delay family reunification and strain mental health amongst immigrant communities.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry more about how these restrictions affect community cohesion and local businesses that thrive on cultural diversity and international patronage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Freelance Writer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The sustained restrictions are challenging. I write about places I now can't easily visit, which hampers my work and my ability to see my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $150000000)
Year 2: $105000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $157000000)
Year 3: $110000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $165000000)
Year 5: $120000000 (Low: $98000000, High: $180000000)
Year 10: $135000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $202000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $162000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- Prolonged enforcement could strain federal resources as agencies balance various COVID-19 responses.
- Potential legal challenges from domestic and international entities could drive up costs.
- Uncertain trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic makes long-term cost predictions challenging.