Bill Overview
Title: Border Patrol Enhancement Act
Description: This bill addresses various issues related to U.S. Border Patrol staffing. For example, the bill (1) establishes the Border Patrol Reserve; (2) establishes for the U.S. Border Patrol an authorized personnel level of 20,500 agents, which may be adjusted by the Department of Homeland Security; (3) requires the U.S. Border Patrol to complete a personnel requirements determination model; and (4) provides for higher minimum pay rates for agents.
Sponsors: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Target Audience
Population: People working in border security or living in border regions globally
Estimated Size: 25000
- The legislation is focused on U.S. Border Patrol staffing, affecting personnel directly involved in border security operations.
- Establishing a reserve and altering personnel levels could influence hiring practices, potentially impacting those seeking employment in this field.
- Adjustments to pay rates may affect current and future employees financially.
- The U.S. Border Patrol is part of the larger Department of Homeland Security, which operates at a national scale, influencing all U.S. borders and ports of entry.
Reasoning
- The Border Patrol Enhancement Act directly impacts U.S. Border Patrol agents and their families, who are a part of the estimated 25,000 people directly targeted by this policy.
- It indirectly impacts residents in border regions who may experience changes in security and community dynamics.
- Those seeking employment in border patrol positions might find new opportunities due to the establishment of the Border Patrol Reserve and adjusted personnel levels.
- Since the policy affects federal employment and budget allocation, a mix of perspectives needs to be considered, including socio-economic impacts, job security, and changes in community atmospheres.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy would be beneficial, especially the increase in pay rates.
- The reserve could offer flexibility during peak periods and reduce workload stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Prospective Border Patrol Applicant (San Diego, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might increase my chances of securing employment with the Border Patrol.
- Higher pay is an attractive incentive for new recruits.
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 |
Teacher (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the impacts on our community, which relies on trading and commuting.
- Changes in patrol operations could affect daily life and local businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Customs Enforcement Officer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Higher staffing levels should ease collaboration and streamline processes at ports.
- Pay rate adjustments may improve job satisfaction among personnel.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Local Business Owner (Nogales, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any increase in personnel must be balanced with maintaining lawful trade flow.
- Securing the border is important but should not disrupt commerce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Recent College Graduate (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could translate to more job openings in border-related fields.
- I believe it could improve security and provide career pathways for locals.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Laredo, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry that increased patrols will lead to more tensions and conflicts in the area.
- Funding might be better spent on community development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Customs Broker (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase customs efficiency if proper integration with border patrol improvements is made.
- Wages increases might improve workforce quality and accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Border Area Resident (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support border security improvements as long as they don't disrupt our community life.
- The presence of more border patrol agents may influence public safety.
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 | 8 |
Border Patrol Agent's Spouse (McAllen, Texas)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful the new policy will make my spouse's job more secure and increase job satisfaction.
- Pay raises would help our family's financial stability.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $515000000 (Low: $465000000, High: $615000000)
Year 3: $530000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $630000000)
Year 5: $560000000 (Low: $505000000, High: $660000000)
Year 10: $620000000 (Low: $560000000, High: $720000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1350000000, High: $1650000000)
Key Considerations
- The long-term sustainability of funding for the increased number of personnel and higher pay rates must be addressed to prevent future budget shortfalls.
- Economic impacts beyond the direct employment and training costs may include regional economic benefits, given the presence of a larger workforce.