Policy Briefs

YIP's policy briefs provide clear, nonpartisan summaries of key national issues and policies. Designed for accessibility, they distill complex topics into concise, understandable analyses, bridging the gap between intricate policy debates and a broad audience. These briefs embody our commitment to informed, unbiased discourse, crucial for fostering a well-informed public and encouraging active engagement in policy discussions.

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Briefs harmonize diverse political perspectives in policy teams of 4-6 for insightful policy solutions.

Recent Policy Briefs

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Unpacking the Impact: The US Immigration Ban and Its Effect on Particular Countries

Immigration Policy

Emily Tsai

This brief discusses the impact that Executive Order 13780, or the ‘Muslim Ban,’ had on immigration from Muslim and African countries. The brief puts this ban into historical context, discussing how the affected countries were impacted by this order, and how it came to be rescinded under the presidency of Joe Biden.

An Analysis of the Impact of Health Research Funding Cuts

Public Health Policy

Avi Agrawal

This brief explores the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to key public-health research branches, including the National Institute of Health (NIH), the World Health Organization, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Retribution and Rehabilitation: Juvenile Justice

Criminal Justice

Naomi McKenna

This brief reexamines the topic of juvenile justice reform, examining the evolution of youth treatment under the criminal justice system.

An Analysis of the Efficacy of Value-Based Care Health Systems

Public Health Policy

Avi Agrawal

Value-based care (VBC), which pays a fixed rate per patient, deviates from healthcare’s traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model in which practitioners are paid per service (doctor visit, surgery, vaccine, etc.) they do. Given the growing prevalence of this system, this brief aims to analyze the efficacy of VBC to improve patient outcomes.

A Deep Dive into the CAFO Industry's Impact and Evolution

Agriculture Policy

Shiven Batra

This brief examines the complex debate surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which are integral to modern food production but raise significant environmental, ethical, and health concerns. It provides a historical overview of CAFOs' emergence, explores the arguments from economic and environmental stakeholders, and evaluates the consequences of insufficient regulation. The brief also highlights current policy frameworks, such as the Clean Water Act and proposed amendments, alongside potential strategies to balance economic benefits with environmental and public health protections.

Border Surveillance Technologies: Benefits, Risks, and Ethical Concerns

Immigration Policy

Emily Tsai

This brief will show the historical background and nature of digital surveillance at the United States Southern Border. With this increasing security, heavy surveillance has been highly criticized for its effects on individual(s) well-being.