Mr. Speaker. I would like to express my support for the conference report on S. 358. the Family Unity and Employment Opportunity Immigration Act of 1990. S. 358 represents the most significant effort since 1965 to reform our Nations current legal immigration laws. I believe that the existence of huge backlogs in family reunification visa cases. a continued shortage of workers with highly specialized skills. and systemic problems that have disadvantaged 19th century sending countries demonstrate the need for revision of our immigration system. S. 358 addresses these problemsreunitIng divided families. Improving economic competitiveness by facilitating the immigration of those with scarce skills. and addressing the antiEuropean bias in the 1965 law. Like most immigration bills. S. 358 is not perfect. I am particularly concerned about the limitation of the numbers for lowskilled workers to 10.000 per year. this is far below the demonstrated need for these visas. This limit on employersponsored immigration of lowskilled workers will prevent many American workers. especially women. from pursuing careers while also caring adequately for their families. Thus. children. the elderly. and the disabled will be seriously and adversely affected. The most recent publication of the Committee for Economic Development. a panel of leading business figures. presents a comprehensive summary of our future work force needs. The report. which I recommend to Members. demonstrates that this category of lowskilled immigrant workers needs at least 19.000 visas. plus family members. The conference report provides for a review of immigration policy. and I hope that this issue will be reconsidered as soon as the facts demonstrate that this legislation has exacerbated already existing shortages of child care. home care. elder care. and other basic skilled workers.
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immigrant Immigration family reunification visa immigration visas