I wish to introduce at this time a bill to authorize a 2year. $250 million program to enable the United States to assist Israel in receiving and resettling the persecuted Jews of the Soviet Union. This program calls for the appropriation of $100 million in fiscal year 1972 and $150 million in fiscal year 1973. Called the "Soviet Jewish Refugee Relief Act of 1972." my measure would authorize and direct the President to establish a program of financial aid and other assistance to Israel and other countries for the movement of Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union and for the resettlement and support of such refugees. A new bill is needed if we are to move effectively to help relieve the inhuman suffering of the Russian Jews. Amending existing legislation just will not do the job. With the passage of this measure. we will be creating and authorizing funding for a new and dramatic humanitarian program. The right to free emigration is basic and fundamental to human liberty. Without this right national borders become prison walls. At a time when the brave Soviet Jews have been risking their lives in pursuit of freedom. the least we can do is offer material aid to assist in their resettlement.
Keywords matched
Refugee emigration refugees