As one of the original architects of the JTPA. I fully embrace this effort to have that act broadened to address the labor shortage problem in this manner. Senator LAUTENBERGS S. 741 was incorporated as an amendment into another legislative answer to the labor shortage situation proposed by Senator KENNEDYS. 358. a bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. This latter bill explicitly recognizes the existence and expected growth of labor shortages and would deal with them through permanent immigration policy in two innovative ways: First. within a sixcategory preference system for immigrants. the sixth preference would be reserved for skilled workers in short supply in the United States. Second. the bill also would establish a separate point system in which points would be allocated for occupational demand in the United States and related experience abroad. S. 358. with the provisions of Sen. LAUTENBERGS Labor Shortage Act incorporated. was passed by the Senate by an 81 to 17 majority. and was referred on July 25 to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Thus the use of immigration policy as a tool for reducing labor shortages is a proposal already clearly before Congress and receiving favorable action. Statistical research. the education and training of U.S. workers. and targeted permanent immigration are all essential and constructive approaches to stemming labor shortages in the long term. Of these longterm approaches I have always endorsed and continue to endorse. training and education of U.S. workers as the most critieal and essential. But the labor shortage problem exists now and thus needs solutions that will begin to work now.
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Immigration immigration immigrants