Bill Overview
Title: Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2022
Description: This bill imposes requirements related to the treatment of noncitizen children detained in immigration custody. For example, the bill (1) prohibits an accompanied noncitizen child from being separated from a parent or legal guardian while in immigration custody, except in certain situations; (2) requires each child in immigration custody to receive a legal orientation presentation and have access to legal counsel and child advocates; and (3) requires each unaccompanied noncitizen child in Department of Health and Human Services custody to be placed in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which any special needs may be met.
Sponsors: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Target Audience
Population: Noncitizen children detained in immigration custody
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill specifically addresses the treatment of noncitizen children in immigration custody, focusing on their well-being and family unity.
- The notable provisions include preventing separation from parents, ensuring legal orientation and counsel, and placing unaccompanied children in family-like settings.
- As of recent data, there are tens of thousands of noncitizen children globally who pass through US immigration custody annually.
- Legal advocacy groups estimate that substantial numbers of these children are from Latin American countries, including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Reasoning
- The policy will directly influence noncitizen children in immigration custody, potentially improving their living conditions and legal situations. Many children are from Central American countries, and hence the policy will especially affect individuals from these regions.
- This policy will also indirectly affect US citizens, particularly those working in immigration or legal services, as they will need to implement these changes. Families of the children, though not in the US, will experience emotional relief knowing their children may be treated better.
- The budget constraints mean the scope is limited to the numbers indicated in the target population estimate. With the funds allocated, realistic improvements can only affect a portion of the total number anticipated in custody each year.
- Those in the general population or sectors not involved with immigration may not witness a direct impact, showing a range of individual situations from highly impacted to none.
Simulated Interviews
Immigration Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an immigration lawyer, this policy means noncitizen children will have a better chance at fair legal representation.
- It aligns with human rights principles and will help in cases where I'm representing unaccompanied minors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Border Patrol Agent (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy introduces clear guidelines on family unity which will change how we operate.
- While it presents a challenge, it also brings relief knowing children will be treated better.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a positive step towards improving human rights standards for detained children.
- It will require increased monitoring and reporting, but the outcomes should benefit many children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
School Teacher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I don't work directly with these children, appropriate treatment of noncitizen children affects us all in ensuring a humane society.
- It's likely to relieve some stress for those worrying about their detained relatives.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Social Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is encouraging as it increases our capability to help detained children transition into safer environments.
- The policy sets a precedent for other child welfare reforms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Non-Profit Director (Houston, TX)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with our mission to support noncitizen children's rights.
- However, successful implementation will depend on adequate training and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Immigration Paralegal (Miami, FL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides clearer pathways for ensuring children receive needed legal support.
- It will put additional pressure on pro bono services, but in a beneficial manner.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Federal Judge (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will necessitate changes in how cases are heard, particularly those involving unaccompanied minors.
- It underscores a commitment to legal representation rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Child Psychologist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A change in policy that centers around child welfare in immigration is essential.
- Proper psychological support is crucial for detained minors, and this policy will help some but not all in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Community Organizer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures children's rights are preserved during detention, a significant stride forward.
- However, community resources will be strained to back governmental efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $306000000, High: $714000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $312000000, High: $728000000)
Year 5: $550000000 (Low: $330000000, High: $770000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $360000000, High: $840000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The availability of qualified legal counsel and advocates will be essential for implementation.
- Facility adjustments will require significant upfront logistical and administrative efforts.
- Long-term child welfare impacts can contribute positively to the humanitarian image of the U.S.
- Determining success metrics will be challenging but necessary for evaluation.