In October 1984, unacceptably high levels of unemployment persisted in many regions of the United States. Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that nearly 8.5 million Americans, or 7.4 percent of the civilian labor force, are still without work. When the 5.5 million Americans working part-time because of economic reasons, as well as "discouraged workers," the long-term unemployed, are included, the real rate of Americans affected by unemployment is 13.1 percent (compared to an official rate of 7.5 percent, or real rate of 12 percent, in October 1980). Within communities (national, state, or local), certain demographic groups continue to suffer from greater unemployment levels than other Americans. The unemployment rate for Blacks is 15.4 percent; for Hispanics, 10.9 percent; for youth, 18.8 percent; and for female heads of households, 10.5 percent. (Unemployment characteristics for these groups are profiled and current legislative proposals to address the nation's unemployment crisis are summarized. Three statistical tables show unemployment figures for the 20 largest cities, and unemployment rates by State.) (KH)