Studying Disastrous Impacts of Mass Deportation Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 4, 2026
Bottom line
The bill mandates a CBO study on the long-term economic consequences of recent immigration policies, with a specific focus on the impacts of mass deportation.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in collaboration with the Council of Economic Advisers, to conduct and publicly release a study on the long-term economic impact (20 to 40 years) of immigration policies implemented since January 20, 2025. The study is required to analyze impacts across various sectors, including specific industries, public safety, demographic changes, productivity, consumer spending, small businesses, and tax revenue, particularly focusing on the net fiscal impact of mass deportation. Federal agencies like DHS, BLS, and IRS are mandated to share necessary data with the CBO for this study.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that a comprehensive, data-driven study by the CBO is crucial for understanding the full economic ramifications of significant immigration policy shifts, especially those involving mass deportation. They contend that such an analysis will provide essential insights into potential negative impacts on various economic sectors, public safety, and government revenues, thereby informing future legislative and executive decisions with objective data.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill is a politically motivated attempt to frame specific immigration policies negatively, as suggested by its short title, 'Studying Disastrous Impacts of Mass Deportation Act.' They may contend that directing the CBO to conduct such a broad, retrospective, and long-term economic forecast diverts valuable resources from its primary role of scoring proposed legislation, and that the study's parameters could lead to biased or speculative conclusions.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core directive within minutes.
Section 2(a)
CBO Study Mandate
This provision directs the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in partnership with the Council of Economic Advisers, to undertake a study. This study must be completed and made publicly available within 180 days of the bill's enactment or by the last day of the 119th Congress, whichever comes first. Its purpose is to analyze the long-term economic effects of immigration policies that began on January 20, 2025.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that mandating this study ensures that critical economic data regarding immigration policies is collected and analyzed by non-partisan experts, providing an objective foundation for future policy debates and decisions. This proactive approach allows for a better understanding of long-term consequences.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this mandate places an undue burden on the CBO, diverting resources from its core responsibilities of scoring active legislation. They may also suggest that the timing and framing of the study could be perceived as politically motivated rather than purely analytical.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for comprehensive economic analysis of past policies and the potential strain on CBO's resources, which are typically focused on prospective legislative impacts. There's also a balance between informing public debate and avoiding the appearance of political targeting.
Section 2(b)
Scope and Elements of the Study
This section details the specific areas the CBO study must cover, focusing on a 20 to 40-year economic impact. It requires analysis of effects on various industries (like public sector, service, farm, healthcare, and STEM innovation), public safety due to fear, immigration flows and demographics, productivity, innovation, remittances, consumer spending, investment, GDP, small businesses, and tax revenue at all government levels, specifically considering mass deportation.
Section 2(c)
Data Sharing Requirement
This provision mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must share any data requested by the CBO Director that is deemed necessary for conducting the study. This ensures the CBO has access to relevant government data to perform its analysis.