Bill Overview
Title: Comprehensive Southern Border Strategy Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress a comprehensive southern border strategy. The strategy must include (1) an overview of current security risks along the southern border; and (2) an assessment of the barriers, technologies, and tools that are necessary to achieve and maintain situational awareness and operational control of the border.
Sponsors: Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by US southern border strategy
Estimated Size: 35000000
- The bill affects those living in border regions due to changes in border security strategies.
- It impacts undocumented migrants who may be attempting to cross the southern border.
- Potentially impacts American citizens and lawful residents in border areas due to changes in border control.
- The workers involved in implementing new technologies and strategies along the border will also be affected.
- Legal and policy changes as a result of the strategy may impact U.S. immigration policy, affecting immigrants across the nation.
Reasoning
- The population simulation focuses on diversity among those impacted by the policy, including residents near the border, undocumented migrants, workers employed in implementing security measures, and those involved in the broader immigration discourse.
- The financial constraints limit extensive infrastructure or personnel changes; hence, the policy might focus primarily on strategic assessment and minor technological implementations initially.
- The presence of 36 million residents in border areas suggests a significant number of citizens who might be indirectly affected through community dynamics or local economies.
- Undocumented individuals' wellbeing could fluctuate depending on perceived border vulnerabilities or increased surveillance.
- Workers in national security sectors could experience shifts in job requirements or security environments impacting their outlook.
Simulated Interviews
Customs and Border Protection Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need for increased security, but I am worried about how it will affect my job and safety.
- New technology could be beneficial, but it may also lead to job cuts or reassignment.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College Student (El Paso, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these impact my community the most, often negatively.
- I'm concerned it might criminalize immigrant families rather than improve safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Retired Sheriff (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think a comprehensive strategy is overdue, but I worry about how thorough it can be with limited budget.
- Safety is my priority, but it shouldn't come at the cost of community trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Primary School Teacher (Brownsville, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope it brings more resources to rough parts of town where my students live.
- I'm anxious it might lead to more tension in our close-knit border community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Advocate for Immigrant Rights (Central Valley, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy focusing on increased security without addressing underlying immigration issues is incomplete.
- I'm worried about the fear it instills in the communities I serve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 5 |
Tech Company Analyst (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If implemented smartly, technology can help without compromising freedoms.
- Skeptical about the actual implementation of these strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Farmer (Yuma, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope security measures won't interfere with my farming operations.
- Any disruptions could be economically harmful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Documentary Filmmaker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerned about human rights implications of the policy.
- May use this narrative in future projects.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Nogales, AZ)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned it might draw resources away from essential services.
- I still believe community strength is key to safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Software Developer (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Curious about tech solutions proposed by this policy.
- Worried about privacy implications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $7500000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $12000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- A comprehensive strategy may reduce the frequency of border security emergencies, potentially saving costs related to emergent responses.
- Collaboration with technological experts will be necessary, requiring significant upfront costs.
- Assessment and integration of new border technologies might provide long-term cost efficiencies.