Question

immigration to the united states in the 1990s
the 1990 immigration act was a significant legislative change that allowed for an increase in
the number of immigrants entering the united states. this policy shift led to a substantial rise
in immigration, particularly due to new work visa opportunities, which helped shape the
workforce and increased cultural diversity

• higher immigration limits: the 1990 immigration act raised the immigration cap to

700,000 annually through 1994 and then settled at 675,000 annually to support workforce
needs.

• h-1b skilled worker program: this act introduced the h-1b visa program, allowing

more skilled workers, particularly in technology, to fill the growing demand in that
industry.

• regional changes in settlement: traditionally, coastal regions like new york and

california saw the highest immigrant populations, but the 1990s experienced a notable
increase in immigrant settlement in the midwest, rocky mountains, and southeastern u.s.
what was the main purpose of the 1990 immigration act?
to increase immigration to support workforce needs
to increase immigration only from european countries
to decrease immigration by imposing strict limits

Explanation:

The text states the 1990 Immigration Act raised immigration caps (to 700,000 then 675,000 annually) "to support workforce needs" and introduced the H - 1B program for skilled workers to fill industry demands. The option "to increase immigration only from European countries" has no support (text doesn't mention regional origin limits), and "to decrease immigration..." contradicts the raised caps. So the main purpose was to increase immigration for workforce needs.

Answer:

A. to increase immigration to support workforce needs (assuming the first option is labeled A; if labels differ, adjust to the correct identifier with the text "to increase immigration to support workforce needs")