Mr. Speaker. I was appalled to learn of a decision by the Government of the Soviet Union that citizens with higher educations who wish to emigrate must pay retroactively for the cost of their education. Reportedly. this amount will run between $5.000 and $25.000 for each such individual. It is bad enough in any case for a nation to become a petty extortionist. but in light of the fact that the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the basic human right of emigration from ones country and article 121 of the Soviet Constitution purports to grant free education to all Soviet citizens. this action is nothing short of outrageous. This is clearly an issue which belongs before the United Nations. and I have asked that organizations human rights arm to investigate this matter and. if the reports of it are accurate. to condemn a policy that puts a price tag on so basic a right as the freedom of the individual to live where he or she chooses. The people of the United States must join with the rest of civilized humanity in condemning this policy. and I call upon the President to express our disapproval in the strongest possible terms.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration