President. it is my intention to ask the GAO to review this issue in a very broad fashion. We are aware of the importance of encouraging the free and fair interchange of artists and cultural activity between nations. The new P2 visa provision for reciprocal arrangements between organizations in this country and other lands underscores this interest. The purpose of these arrangements should be to open doors of opportunity for U.S. citizen and resident alien artists. entertainers and support personnel while welcoming such people from other countries. More should be done. Therefore. to assist the Congress. the GAO will study the employment opportunities of U.S. citizen and resident alien artists. entertainers and support personnel both here and abroad. the extent of nonimmigrant alien employment In these occupations and the impact of practices by other governments that may inhibit the ability of U.S. citizens and resident aliens to obtain employment in the arts. entertainment. and supporting occupations. to have their art and skills embodied in audiovisual materials and sound recordings disseminated and enjoyed in other lands. and to earn fair compensation for their efforts abroad. This will allow Congress to consider the GAO report. as well as to receive the first report of the new commission on immigration reform established in last years bill. That commission is charged with reviewing all aspects of U.S. immigration law and policy. and the changes made by the 1990 Act. including the nonimmigrant 0 and P visas. We believe this is a fair compromise between those who believe these nonimmigrant visas should be capped at some limit. and those who have argued that any ceiling is arbitrary and unnecessary. Second. we significantly modify the requirement that P1 visa applicants must have a 1year association with the group with which he or she is entering. As rigidly drawn last year. this requirement and certain associated rules are unrealistic given the realities of the entertainment Industry and the performing arts community. We also provide expressly for essential support personnel in this category.
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immigration visas visa