July 9, 1986

Foreign visitors arriving at Kennedy International Airport are being forced onto huge lines for as long as four hours to reach Immigration inspectors, according to immigration officials and airline representatives. Officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Service attribute the delays to budget-induced shortages of inspectors, tighter security measures and increased air traffic. Although long lines are a seasonal hazard in many popular tourist destinations, airport and airline officials say the congestion for incoming foreigners at the nation's premier foreign gateway is unequaled in their experiences. American citizens, by contrst, are waved through Immigration and must only show their passports to Customs Service agents for usually cursory baggage inspections.

The Food and Drug Administration today banned the use of sulfite preservatives in fresh vegetables and fruits. Sulfites have been linked to 13 deaths and many illnesses, mainly among asthmatics. The ban, which had been expected after months of investigation and scientific testing, becomes effective Aug. 8. It will apply to retail sales in both food stores and restaurants. It is expected to have the its greatest effect in restaurants, because many have used sulfite-containing additives to keep vegetables and fruits fresh-looking. Incidents of allergic reactions to sulfites have increased in recent years along with the rise in popularity of salad bars.

A television review on Saturday of Liberty Weekend programming misidentified a performing group that appeared. It was the Garfield (N.J.) Cadets, a drum and bugle corps not affiliated with any school.

Steve Drown, a Plattsburgh undertaker, journeyed just across the Canadian border here recently to buy a car. With the American dollar now worth close to $1.40 Canadian, he saved more than $1,000 on a new Chevrolet Nova. But to fill his tank, he favors this side of the border, where gasoline costs half that of the heavily taxed Canadian product. Judy Kelley, who sells antiques in this little village on Lake Champlain once notorious for its rum smuggling, also crossed into Canada the other day. She went to see a travel agent about booking a fall tour to South America. Paying with American dollars will assure her of a hefty discount.

The Economy President Reagan is willing to compromise on several tax issues if House-Senate conferees retain the Senate's proposed low tax rates in final legislation, his chief of staff said. Donald T. Regan said the President considered the Senate's proposed top tax rate of 27 percent far more important than other provisions he supports, such as a lower preferential rate on capital gains. The comments reflect a convergence of views in Congress and the Administration on the overall shape of a new tax law. Mr. Regan also said that the economy was weaker than the Administration would like but that he did not foresee a recession. [ Page A1. ] Consumer installment debt rose by $5.4 billion in May for the second-highest increase this year, the Federal Reserve said. [ D21. ]