Bill Overview
Title: Syria Detainee and Displaced Persons Act
Description: This bill addresses detainees in Syria affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), including by requiring an interagency strategy regarding such detainees.
Sponsors: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: Detainees and displaced persons in Syria affiliated with ISIS
Estimated Size: 2
- The bill pertains to detainees in Syria, primarily focusing on those affiliated with ISIS.
- There are approximately 10,000 detainees currently held in camps in Syria who are suspected ISIS members or affiliates.
- Many of these individuals are in the al-Hol and other detention camps in northeastern Syria.
- These detainees include individuals from multiple countries, and not just Syrian nationals.
- The instability in Syria has led to displacements which may have resulted in broader affected populations, including family members of detainees.
- The global interest in Syrian detainees involves multiple nations whose citizens joined or were affiliated with ISIS in Syria.
Reasoning
- The policy's direct impact is likely limited to very few U.S. citizens due to the low number of American detainees, however, the broader strategy around detainees might influence perceptions of national security and foreign policy within the U.S.
- The policy's budget constraints necessitate a focused approach, targeting immediate humanitarian needs and long-term strategic interests, which could indirectly affect general public opinions regarding U.S. foreign policy.
- Given that the primary focus is on detainees in Syria, many Americans may not feel directly impacted but could have varying views based on media coverage, perceived national security concerns, and ethical considerations regarding detainee treatment and repatriation.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Policy Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is necessary to deal with the ongoing challenges posed by ISIS detainees.
- It could strengthen U.S. ties with allies in the region working on this issue.
- There are risks of not addressing these foreign detainees, as they might radicalize more individuals if not contained properly.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Journalist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy appears to be a positive step towards a more humane and strategic approach to a complicated issue.
- I'm concerned about the conditions in detention camps and hope this policy addresses human rights adequately.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I see this as a step towards solving a complex issue, I wonder about its effectiveness given the limited budget.
- I hope more resources are allocated towards addressing the root causes of extremism.
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 |
Retired Military Officer (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is crucial to address the detainee situation; we've seen the consequences of neglect in the rise of ISIS.
- Ensuring these individuals are handled correctly could prevent future threats to U.S. security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy affects me directly, but it's interesting as a case study for international law and relations.
- We need to balance national security with humanitarian efforts.
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 |
Social Worker (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive if this policy ensures humane treatment and fair repatriation processes for detainees.
- It's vital to recognize and address potential psychological impacts on these individuals.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Entrepreneur (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy brings more stability to regions affected by ISIS, potentially opening up new markets for business.
- Stability leads to improved prospects for everyone, including migrants from conflict zones.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Oil Industry Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an economic perspective, I'm keen on any policy that can stabilize the region, indirectly supporting energy markets.
- This policy, although small in budget, could be a step toward reducing conflict-driven market volatility.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems peripheral to my life, but it demonstrates U.S.' engagement with global human rights issues.
- I support more comprehensive strategies for conflict zones, even if the impact is hard to measure immediately.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Actor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with my advocacy for refugee rights, as it relates to detainee human rights.
- I am concerned about the real impact, given limited budgetary allocations for such a broad issue.
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 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $105000000 (Low: $84000000, High: $126000000)
Year 3: $110000000 (Low: $88000000, High: $132000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The political complexities of handling ISIS-affiliated detainees globally and the associated diplomatic efforts.
- Potential security concerns around detainees escaping or radicalizing others if not managed correctly.
- International collaboration and the legal frameworks necessary for repatriation or prosecution of detainees.
- The humanitarian conditions of the camps and the role of international organizations in supporting detainee management.