Speech #920041410

Therefore. on December 30. 1970. I cosponsored a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States do everything in its power to encourage the release of Jews living in virtual captivity in the Soviet Union. Another measure. which I cosponsored on March 18. 1971. is specifically designed to challenge the Soviet Union into freeing these people and provides 30.000 special visas for Soviet Jews who wish to come to the United States. I include the following: H.R. 6385 A bill for the relief of Soviet Jews Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That this Act may be cited as the "Soviet Jews Relief Act of 1971". SEC. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law. there are hereby authorized to be issued thirty thousand special immigrant visas to aliens specified in section 3 of this Act seeking to enter the United States as immigrants. The spouse and children of any such alien. if accompanying or following to join him. may be issued special immigrant visas notwithstanding such numerical limitation. SEC. 3. Visas authorized to be issued under the second section of this Act shall be issued only to residents of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics who are listed on their Soviet internal passport as citizenship Soviet. nationality Jewish. and who are seeking admission to the United States to avoid religious persecution. whether such persecution is evidenced by overt acts or by laws or governmental regulations that discriminate against such alien. or any group to which he belongs. because of his religious faith. SEC. 4. Visas authorized to be issued under this Act may be issued by consular officers in accordance with the proviisons of section 221 of the Immigration and Nationality Act: Provided. That each such alien is found to be eligible to be issued an immigrant visa and to be admitted to the United States under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act: Provided further. That a visa is not immediately available to such alien under the Immigration and Nationality Act at the time of his application for a visa. SEC. 5. Aliens receiving visas under the first section of this Act shall be exempt from paying the fees prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 281 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. SEC. 6. The definitions contained in section 101 (a) and (b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall apply In the administration of this Act. If the latest shocking trials are permitted to continue without the adamant censure of not only the United States but all the sane nations in the Brotherhood of man. it could lead to total genocide of all Jews in the hostile Soviet Union. For the lives of 3.5 million Jews are at stake in the despicable trial of even one Soviet Jew on irresponsible charges. We cannot turn our backs on flagrant suppression of self identity or attempts at emigration. We must. instead. exert ourselves to open the doors to freedom for the victims of terror.