Speech #880228512

This would permit their prompt admittance to this country and end the tragic separation of families which is now so prevalent. Seventh. A fourth preference category is established for brothers. sisters. and married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. thus doubling the number of visas available to them under present provisions. Further. parents of resident aliens are added to the new preference list. Eighth. Because parents of U.S. citizens no longer would have to wait in a second preference quota category. by virtue of the nonquota status they are to receive. this category is reduced from its present 30percent level to 20 percent. Ninth. First preference visa standards are broadened to "especially advantageous" from "needed urgently." Tenth. Unused quota numbers are made available to persons willing to work in the United States at jobs for which a shortage of willing workers exists in our labor market. Eleventh. Political refugees or escapees may be admitted to the United States up to a number of 15.000 annually or higher where the President proclaims an emergency. After 2 years. these refugees may be given immigration status in numbers up to 25.000 per year. Twelfth. Requirements for foreignborn persons who have had honorable service in our Armed Forces are liberalized. Thirteenth. No distinction between nativeborn and naturalized citizens with respect to foreign residence shall exist. This carries out the principle of citizenship equality recently affirmed by the Supreme Court. Fourteenth.