How Does CBO Estimate the Effects of Proposed Legislation Affecting Immigration?

"When CBO’s Director testified at Congressional hearings at the beginning of February, he was asked some questions about how CBO analyzes potential changes to immigration policy. Because answers during Congressional hearings must be brief, this blog post provides additional information.

What Factors Does CBO Consider When Estimating the Economic Effects of Proposed Legislation Affecting Immigration?

In 2013, CBO published an economic analysis of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744). That act would have revised laws governing immigration and the enforcement of those laws, allowing for a significant increase in the number of noncitizens who could lawfully enter the United States permanently or temporarily. The bill also would have created a process for many currently unauthorized residents to gain legal status, subject to their meeting conditions specified in the bill..."

Immigration legislation

The Legislative Process

Find nine videos from the Congress.gov website explaining the process of how a bill become a law.
Legislative Process

Budget Issues Shaping a Farm Bill in 2013

"The desire by many to redesign farm policy and reallocate the remaining farm bill baseline—in a sequestration and deficit reduction environment—is driving much of the farm bill debate this year..."
Budget Issues Facing the Farm Bill in 2013

Governmental Tracking of Cell Phones and Vehicles: The Confluence of Privacy, Technology, and Law

"This report will briefly survey Fourth Amendment law as it pertains to the government’s tracking programs. It will then summarize federal electronic surveillance statutes and the case law surrounding cell phone location tracking. Next, the report will describe the GPS-vehicle tracking cases and review the pending Supreme Court GPS tracking case, United States v. Jones. Finally, the report will summarize the geolocation and electronic surveillance legislation introduced in the
112th Congress..."

Legislative History Research: A Basic Guide
"This report provides an overview of federal legislative history research, the legislative process,
and where to find congressional documents. The report also summarizes some of the reasons
researchers are interested in legislative history, briefly describes the actions a piece of legislation might undergo during the legislative process, and provides a list of easily accessible print and electronic resources. This report will be updated as needed."