Bill Overview
Title: Border Airport Fairness Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the President to designate certain primary airports near the border as ports of entry and terminate the user fee requirement for customs services at these airports.
Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: People who use or are employed by border airports
Estimated Size: 20000000
- Primary airports near the border often facilitate cross-border travel and goods transfer, serving both passengers and cargo from both sides of the border.
- Designating these airports as ports of entry may increase their usage, impacting travelers, workers, and businesses in these regions.
- Termination of the user fee for customs services at these airports can make cross-border travel and shipping more affordable.
- This can lead to an increase in economic activity in border regions, affecting individuals who work in travel, tourism, and transportation sectors.
- Customs employees and security personnel may see changes in their workload and employment conditions.
- People living near these border airports may experience changes in traffic and economic activity in their communities.
Reasoning
- Most individuals within the target population would experience positive impacts, although the intensity and duration would vary depending on factors like proximity to the border airport, occupation, and usage needs.
- Travelers and businesses using these airports for cross-border activities may benefit from financial savings and increased convenience, potentially increasing their Cantril Wellbeing Scores.
- Customs and airport employees might have differing experiences, with potential job stability concerns balanced by increases in traffic and job satisfaction from enhanced operations.
- People living near these airports might witness a rise in local economic activity, but also possible downsides like increased noise or traffic.
Simulated Interviews
Customs Officer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the Border Airport Fairness Act will increase the workload in the short term, which could be stressful.
- However, the added traffic might ensure job security and lead to possible promotions or wage increases.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Eliminating customs fees at border airports will reduce costs for my business, potentially increasing client travel and business revenue.
- I expect more international tourists which could boost local tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Laredo, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act should decrease customs delays, enabling me to make more trips and increase my earnings.
- It might bring more competition too, which could drive down pay rates if it attracts too many new drivers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Airline Executive (San Diego, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating airports as ports of entry will enhance operational efficiency, attracting more passengers.
- Reduced customs fees will increase our competitive edge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (El Paso, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act will make crossing the border for school projects and visits more affordable and less stressful.
- As someone without much income, any cost reduction directly improves my situation.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy will affect me much directly, but possible improvements in shipping times for parts might eventually benefit our factory's operations.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Customs Broker (Brownsville, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lowering customs fees could lead to more business opportunities.
- However, this might mean more stress due to increased workload and competition from other brokers.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Warehouse Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't anticipate major changes personally, as I'm a step removed from direct border activities.
- Improvements in shipping efficiency might eventually lead to more work or stable hours.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retail Manager (Nogales, AZ)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act should encourage more shoppers from across the border, boosting sales.
- Improved store performance could mean better bonuses for staff like me.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better facilities at airports could mean more community development projects.
- I'm generally supportive of initiatives that might improve local economies.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15500000 (Low: $12500000, High: $20500000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $17000000 (Low: $13500000, High: $21500000)
Year 10: $19000000 (Low: $14500000, High: $23000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $80000000)
Key Considerations
- Customs operations might need restructuring to effectively manage increased traffic flows without compromising security.
- The removal of user fees could make U.S. border airports more competitive with neighboring countries' airports.
- Potential environmental impacts due to increased traffic and noise need to be assessed.