Bill Overview
Title: Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to (1) submit an annual report to Congress about ties between criminal gangs and economically or politically influential individuals in Haiti, and (2) designate those people for sanctions. The report must, for example, identify Haitian criminal gangs, identify influential Haitian individuals with ties to those gangs, and assess the implications of those ties to U.S. national security.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: Haitian citizens economically or politically influential and tied to gangs
Estimated Size: 100000
- The bill targets criminal gangs in Haiti and individuals tied to them, indicating a concrete people group affected by its stipulations.
- Haitian citizens, particularly economically or politically influential individuals, will be under scrutiny by the US government for any potential ties with criminal gangs.
- Individuals sanctioned by the US government will likely face significant socio-economic impacts.
- Given the geographic focus, the majority of those directly affected will be residing in Haiti.
Reasoning
- Given the policy's specific scope on Haiti, the most direct effects are on Haitian citizens, particularly those targeted by the act.
- For US residents, the impact is mostly indirect, related to national security and possibly immigration or foreign policy.
- Some US residents with ties to Haiti, such as immigrants or businesses, may experience more impact.
- Potential changes in US-Haiti relations or sanctions could alter economic dynamics, affecting US businesses linked to Haiti.
- The policy's implementation will test its effectiveness in enhancing US national security while respecting diplomatic and economic relations.
Simulated Interviews
Import/Export Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned that increased scrutiny and potential sanctions could disrupt my business ties to Haiti.
- While I support measures against crime, I hope the policy doesn't overreach and affect innocent business transactions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Human Rights Activist (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy helps hold accountable those fostering violence in Haiti.
- It's crucial that the reports and sanctions genuinely target those involved, not innocents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Foreign Policy Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This represents a positive step towards addressing international crime but must be paired with supportive diplomatic efforts.
- I am optimistic the policy will improve cooperation against transnational crime.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Law Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Monitoring and sanction policies can be effective if aligned with human rights standards.
- I'm concerned about the potential misuse of the act, hoping for transparency in enforcement.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Investment Banker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential risks to investments in Haiti if sanctions are not well-targeted.
- It's important for investors that policies stabilize rather than disrupt regional security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Immigration Lawyer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter sanctions could affect my clients, especially those with family ties in Haiti.
- We need a balance between national security and individual rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Non-Profit Director (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While sanctions can deter criminal activities, they should not inhibit humanitarian efforts.
- Careful execution is key to ensure aid channels remain open.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support efforts to diminish gang influence, but hope they're part of a broader strategy.
- My wellbeing is tied to the stability and prosperity of regions I hold ties to.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Journalist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy offers intriguing narratives on international crime and ethics.
- I'm watching how effectively it tackles crime and its collateral impacts.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these should encourage positive change and development, not just penalize.
- If well-managed, they can create a safer environment for business and growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2100000 (Low: $1600000, High: $2600000)
Year 5: $2200000 (Low: $1650000, High: $2700000)
Year 10: $2300000 (Low: $1750000, High: $2800000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Key Considerations
- The focus on criminal collusion in Haiti serves as an important measure for U.S. national security interests, potentially preventing crime from affecting U.S. borders.
- Effective implementation hinges on accurate intelligence and collaboration with Haitian and international bodies.