}
¦
}
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS
H
THE 'IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1990"
General Provisions
Establishes a national level of immigration for all immigration categories. The level for the first three years will be 700,000, including 55,000 numbers to reduce the backlog of second preference applicants. permanent level of 675,000 enters into effect in FY-1995.
A
Under this overall level, 465,000 numbers would be reserved for the first three years for family immigration, and 140,000 for the employment/independent category. Beginning in FY-1995, the level of family immigration would be raised to 480,000.
Establishes a "floor" of 226,000 which is reserved for family connection visas, despite any growth in immediate relatives.
Admission of refugees remains governed by The Refugee Act of 1980'which requires annual consultations and limits.
Assures a regular review of our immigration system by requiring a specially created independent Commission to report on the effects of immigration on our country and by requiring them to recommend changes in the national level of immigration every three years.
Grants permanent residence status to spouses and children of amnesty beneficiaries who were illegally in the U.S. prior to May 5, 1988.
Imposes new enforcement provisions through enhanced border maintenance, civil penalties for document fraud, and improved deportation proceedings. Includes provisions on the treatment of criminal aliens.
Revises the outdated exclusion provisions of the immigration act.
Reform of Family Preferences
Maintains unrestricted admission of the immediate family of U.S. citizens.
¦