Bill Overview
Title: Justice for Angel Families Act
Description: This bill expands the allowable uses of state compensation payments for crime victims to include certain expenses for angel families. Angel family refers to the immediate family members of any individual who is a victim of homicide committed by (1) an individual who is unlawfully present in the United States, or (2) a member of an international criminal organization involved in the unlawful trafficking of controlled substances. The bill also reestablishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within the Department of Homeland Security.
Sponsors: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Target Audience
Population: Immediate family members of homicide victims killed by unauthorized immigrants or international traffickers
Estimated Size: 10000
- The bill specifically addresses 'angel families,' defined as immediate family members of homicide victims killed by individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. or members of international drug trafficking organizations.
- Homicide impacts families, and thus, all immediate family members may experience significant effects requiring compensation or support.
- The legislation addresses broadly applicable issues affecting immigrant crime victims, suggesting potentially significant numbers within the U.S.
- The establishment of a dedicated Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office indicates a focused impact on families dealing with immigrant-related crimes.
Reasoning
- The bill is aimed specifically at what is likely a minority but a significant subset of families dealing with the tragic loss of a family member due to crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants or international traffickers. The policy budget reflects an understanding of significant fiscal constraints given the size of this population.
- Considering the budget and the estimated population of 10,000 families, the policy aims to provide meaningful support to affected families who may have been overlooked in terms of support. However, costs could limit the reach or depth of assistance provided.
- Given the establishment of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office, there is an intent to offer ongoing, specialized support to angel families, extending beyond financial compensation to potentially include advocacy, guidance, and resources.
- To simulate a range of perspectives, it is critical to include not only families directly impacted by the policy but also unaffected individuals to understand societal perceptions of such initiatives.
Simulated Interviews
School teacher (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could offer much-needed financial support, as current compensations barely cover the surface of our grief and adjustments.
- I appreciate the focus on families like mine, though I wish there were also long-term support measures in place.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a step in the right direction to ensure justice and aid for families affected directly by immigration-related crimes.
- However, measures should be balanced not to stigmatize communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Student (Miami, Florida)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful but cautious about this policy. Any support is welcome, but will it address our long-term needs?
- Resources to understand and navigate the legal complexities of our situation would be invaluable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Healthcare worker (New York, New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a crucial policy to mend neglected gaps in our system, and will likely ease financial burdens.
- Yet, it shouldn't stop at financial aid; holistic psychological and social support is equally important.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software engineer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I sympathize with affected families but worry about the broader implications of focusing on crime-related immigration policies.
- It's important that this does not foster division or perpetuate negative stereotypes.
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 |
Social worker (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this policy can bridge support gaps for those needing it most, but any restrictions should be handled carefully.
- My concern is the scapegoating of broader immigrant communities.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Immigration lawyer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this are crucial for justice but must be implemented with care to avoid inflating anti-immigrant sentiments.
- It does however, symbolize recognition for the victims who often drown in neglect.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired nurse (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the value in supporting families impacted by crime, but wonder about other victims not covered by this policy.
- Policies should be comprehensive and target multiple facets of victim support including mental health resources.
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 | 6 | 7 |
Police officer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I can see this policy providing stability and justice for families who have suffered greatly from immigration-related crimes.
- Emphasis should also be placed on community awareness and proper resource allocation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Freelance journalist (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the importance of targeted support for affected families, but broader discussions on immigration reforms must continue parallelly.
- This policy should lead by example, ensuring the needs of grieving families are prioritized over political narratives.
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: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $20500000 (Low: $15500000, High: $25500000)
Year 3: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 5: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 10: $24000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $29000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- The estimated number of 'angel families' expected to claim compensation will directly influence cost.
- The operational costs of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office are contingent on its scale and outreach goals.
- State compensation programs have varying levels of resources and may need federal bolstering to accommodate expanded compensation.
- The lack of precise data regarding the population impacted means estimates contain uncertainty and could vary.