The 1990 amendments increased substantially the overall number of aliens who may be admitted within the employment-based preferences but reduced significantly the number of aliens who may be admitted in the third preference unskilled labor category. The Immigration Act of 1990 created a preference for aliens who invest in the United States. The investment may be made in a new enterprise, a restructured existing business, or a distressed business. This preference also requires that the enterprise create full-time employment for at least ten U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents, excluding the intending immigrant and his spouse and children. However, if the enterprise is distressed, this employment creation requirement is waived as long as the pre-investment level of employment is maintained.
Permanent residence is granted conditionally.
After 21 months and before two years have expired from the grant of conditional status, the conditional immigrant must apply to remove the condition by demonstrating that the requirements of the status have been fulfilled. If the requirements have not been met, status will be revoked and the alien and his or her spouse and children will become subject to deportation. The INA provides for the granting of permanent residence to certain relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Immediate Relatives . Aliens who are parents, spouses, or unmarried children of U.S. citizens are eligible to receive Visa Waivers With the growth of international travel, the visa-issuing burden on U.S. consuls was becoming too onerous.