Bill Overview
Title: Stateless Protection Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides protections for stateless persons (a person who is not considered a national of any state by that state's law). For example, the bill establishes stateless protected status, which shall provide protections against deportation and other benefits to certain stateless persons present in the United States who meet certain criteria.
Sponsors: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Target Audience
Population: Stateless persons
Estimated Size: 4000
- The bill targets stateless persons, who are individuals not considered nationals under the laws of any country.
- Global estimates indicate there could be several million stateless individuals worldwide.
- Many international bodies, such as the UNHCR, work to assess and aid stateless populations, suggesting a significant global count.
Reasoning
- The Stateless Protection Act targets individuals who are stateless, providing them with legal protections that can significantly affect their well-being.
- In the U.S. where there are estimated to be around 4,000 stateless people, this policy could drastically change the actual well-being and legal security of these individuals, who often live in precarious situations.
- Implementing this policy with the current budget will mean targeted assistance, likely leaving most unaffected but significantly impacting those directly targeted.
- The policy is anticipated to provide a medium to high impact on individuals it targets, as stateless persons are typically in desperate need of legal recognition and protection, securing their stay in the U.S. and providing access to various services.
- Given the relatively small target population within the U.S., the stateless persons who are reached by the policy will likely see marked improvements in security and stability, leading to higher well-being scores.
- Some non-affected individuals within the immigrant community may perceive indirect effects, such as heightened awareness or strengthened advocacy efforts for broader immigration reform.
Simulated Interviews
Freelance Artist (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am very hopeful that this policy will change my life for the better.
- Without a nationality, I've faced many challenges accessing basic services.
- If passed, I could finally live without the constant fear of deportation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could mean I get to stay with my family without constant stress about being deported.
- I would finally be able to access jobs that are off-limits to me now.
- It's a step towards recognizing people like me, who just want a place to belong.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Developer (Houston, TX)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great that the U.S. might finally recognize individuals in my situation.
- I could have a chance to stabilize my residency status and plan for the future.
- These protections have been a long time coming and could open many doors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt this will affect me at my age, but for younger stateless people, it is a beacon of hope.
- I always wanted to retire with peace of mind, maybe this act will bring some relief.
- Legal recognition could mean I access some benefits I missed out on.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Community Organizer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More people will find it safer to come forward and integrate into society.
- The policy will reinforce the U.S.'s commitment to human rights.
- It's the first step, and I hope the government keeps building on it.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy could change my academic future and career prospects.
- Not having to worry about my status would let me focus on my studies.
- I would love to help more people understand statelessness issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean stabilization for my family and me.
- I might finally access career opportunities that have been impossible so far.
- The U.S. recognizing our struggle inspires hope.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Advocate for Stateless Persons (Washington, DC)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding and addressing statelessness is long overdue.
- Policies like this signify progress but need broader implementation.
- Security allows people to contribute to society more robustly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Chef (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, there might be a chance for a steady future.
- I hope this protects future generations from facing the same issues.
- Legal protections can have profound impacts on a person's prospects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Retail Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act might give me a sense of belonging I've missed all my life.
- I think it's a beginning to more comprehensive immigration reform.
- The community support around this makes me feel less alone in my struggles.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $77000000)
Year 3: $60000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $84000000)
Year 5: $70000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $98000000)
Year 10: $85000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The number of stateless individuals within the U.S. is not precisely known, presenting significant uncertainty in cost projections.
- Legal challenges to the definition and eligibility criteria for statelessness could lead to variable administrative costs.
- Creating a new immigration status requires inter-departmental coordination and potential new IT systems for managing cases.
- Potential public health benefits if stateless individuals gain reliable access to healthcare.