Bill Overview
Title: Voice for Victims Act
Description: This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reestablish the Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement Office, which shall provide services to the victims of crimes committed by removable non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law). (An office with a similar name, the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office, was launched in April 2017 and was shut down in June 2021.)
Sponsors: Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of crimes committed by removable non-U.S. nationals
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill reinstates an office aimed specifically at victims of crimes committed by removable non-U.S. nationals.
- Victims of crimes committed by immigrants who might be subject to removal are the primary focus.
- The bill focuses on providing services and support to these victims.
- The potential scope could be those who have experienced various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes, property crimes or fraud.
- The 'Voice for Victims Act' addresses victims within the United States.
- Previously, similar initiatives have had varying impacts based on the scope of operation and engagement of immigrant populations in the U.S.
Reasoning
- The population targeted by the policy includes victims of crimes involving non-U.S. nationals who might be removable. Given the estimated number of victims, the funds need to be efficiently allocated to address these individuals without exceeding the budget constraints.
- Around 500,000 victims in the U.S. could potentially be affected by this act, indicating a broad target within the general population.
- Victims of specific crimes, such as violent crimes or fraud, may benefit more directly from the reestablishment of the office providing targeted support and resources.
- The projected budget constraints mean the policy's services will need to prioritize cases with higher impact or severity, potentially leaving lower-priority cases with less assistance.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could help folks like me feel safer and supported. A dedicated service for victims might encourage more people to report crimes.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Dallas, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this office can help my family get the support we need, I'll be thankful. It's about time victims get a voice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the purpose, but I'm skeptical of its effectiveness. Resources could be better used elsewhere.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Freelance Artist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The office could potentially help ease some fears, though it's not a cure-all solution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might help rehabilitate perceptions around these incidents, though I worry about xenophobia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this office provides proper guidance and support, it would significantly help small business owners like me.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Government support might offer some peace of mind to victims, but preventive measures are also crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm cautious about the narrative this policy might enforce, but support for victims can't be undervalued.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Accountant (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public awareness and structured support are welcomed. Accountability is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public School Teacher (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While victim support is important, policies should carefully balance representation and not incite fear.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $10100000 (Low: $8100000, High: $12100000)
Year 3: $10202000 (Low: $8202000, High: $12202000)
Year 5: $10408160 (Low: $8408160, High: $12408160)
Year 10: $10824326 (Low: $8824326, High: $12824326)
Year 100: $162889462 (Low: $132889462, High: $192889462)
Key Considerations
- The office's effectiveness depends on coordination with local law enforcement and social services.
- Privacy concerns and data protection of victims must be strictly managed.
- Potential political implications of revitalizing a previously closed program.