These changes would correct this inequity and as well prevent future backlogs of these immediate family members. It would also solve the prblem of legalized alien spouses and minor children who did not qualify under the 1986 law. The policy of equal treatment for family members of both U.S. citizens and permanent residents carries over to the remaining family reunification preferences in my proposal. First preference: unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. second preference: married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The only other preference in my proposal. the third preference. adds unmarried brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. This is the present fifth preference with the change that married brothers and sisters are excluded prospectively. They may compete in the independent category. The inclusion in todays law of married brothers and sisters results in unacceptatle exponential growth in immigrant petitions f r families. In addition. my bill creates 200.000 immigrant visas for a new independent category. separate from the family categories. To rspond to the needs of American industry. 20.000 visas would be allocated to Ph.D. professionals. 20.000 for professionals with oxceptional ability. 30.000 for skilled workers. and 5.000 visas for a new category for investorsthose who could demonstrate that iney have $1 million and no less than 10 employees. The total number in the preference and independent categories only marginally increases in our current worldwide ceilings. This independent category includes a "new seed" provision which makes available 125.000 immigrant visas to applicants with the highest points for certain important characteristics. Points are awarded for proficiency in the English language. education. age. occupafional demand and prearranged employment. This new seed category Is designed to encourage diversity of Immigrants allowing na. tionals of countries which have not enjoyed Immigration to the United States In recent years to compete. For the first 3 years. 100.000 visas would be taken out of the Independent category to clear up the fifth preference backlog. now amounting to about 1 % million people. The bill would also reduce the naturalization requirement from 5 years to 3 years to encour. age more rapid integration into U.S. society. Mr. Speaker. I believe my bill Is a good first step in addressing our major legal Immigration problems. I encourage my colleagues to take a look at this legislation and welcome any suggestions for modifications or additions to the bill. A brief summary follows:
Keywords matched
immigrant Immigration family reunification Immigrants naturalization visas