Bill Overview
Title: DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act
Description: This bill authorizes for FY2023 and FY2024 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to guide and improve such operations.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: People living or working near US borders
Estimated Size: 4000000
- The bill is focused on identifying and remediating illicit cross-border tunnels, primarily impacting those who are involved in or affected by illegal activities relating to cross-border smuggling.
- Communities and individuals living near borders, who might experience security and safety issues due to the presence of illicit tunnels.
- Illegal migrants or asylum seekers using tunnels to cross the border, who may be forced to find new routes if tunnels are identified and closed.
- The U.S. government and related agencies, as they will be responsible for executing the activities outlined in the bill.
- International relations, particularly between the U.S. and its neighboring countries, as cross-border security measures can have diplomatic implications.
Reasoning
- This policy is likely to have a direct impact on those living in border towns where cross-border activities are common, including residents and businesses.
- The budget constraints imply that only a limited number of tunnels can be addressed, likely focusing on those with the highest suspected illegal activity.
- The impact will likely vary widely among individuals depending on their proximity to the border, their occupation, and their interaction with cross-border movements.
- Some people may not directly notice any changes in their wellbeing, particularly if they are not directly involved with border activities.
- The impact duration is expected to be relatively short-term for direct effects (such as changes to security), but longer-term impacts could influence communities economically.
Simulated Interviews
border patrol agent (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy may advance our existing operations, providing more resources for tunnel detection.
- Improving tunnel defense operations would make my job more satisfying and successful.
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 | 5 |
local business owner (El Paso, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased border security can stabilize safety, which may attract more customers.
- Any inconvenience during construction could temporarily affect business traffic.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
unemployed (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If jobs are created through this policy, it could provide new opportunities for me.
- I'm concerned about how long these projects will last and if they offer long-term employment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
social worker (Laredo, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Focus on tunnel detection might shift resources from other migration support services.
- Increased security may drive migrant behavior underground, increasing risks for migrants.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired (Nogales, AZ)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased attention to cross-border tunnels is essential for community safety.
- I believe our town will experience less worry about illegal crossings.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
high school student (Yuma, AZ)
Age: 17 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to feel secure in our town, knowing efforts are being made to stop illegal activities.
- I'm considering a future career with CBP, so this policy interests me.
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 | 7 | 7 |
farm owner (Santa Teresa, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased border security could disrupt the labor force I rely on.
- Continued open borders are important for agricultural jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
national park ranger (Brownsville, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ecological conservation could benefit from heightened security minimizing illegal crossings.
- I fear increased tensions might negatively impact cross-border tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
immigration lawyer (McAllen, TX)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tougher border security might complicate legal aid services offered to undocumented migrants.
- My clients could face increased difficulties, which may further stress an already difficult process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
logistics manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Impact of border policy on shipping is limited at large ports like ours, with minor customs delays being possible if resources are redirected.
- These policies don't immediately affect our operations significantly.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5200000 (Low: $4200000, High: $6200000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill's impact duration is limited to two fiscal years, suggesting it is a pilot or introductory effort that could expand if successful.
- Focuses on infrastructure and technology investments for identifying and remediating tunnels, thus potentially involved in high upfront costs with gradual benefits.
- Requires CBP to create a strategic plan, which should improve future efficiency but also demands additional resources in the short term.