Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the efforts of my colleagues in condemning the Soviet Union policy of charging exorbitant fees to Soviet Jews who wish to emigrate. This policy is repugnant to all who believe in civil liberties and human dignity. The Soviet Union is itself in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which it is a party. and which guarantees the right of every citizen to emigrate freely. A Soviet Jew who wishes to emigrate is harassed on his job and shunned by his friends. He is demoted and finally fired. If he is unable to obtain employment. he is considered a parasite on society and subject to arrest and imprisonment. This Orwellan policy is unconscionable and should be condemned for what it really isblackmail and 20th century slavery. The Soviet Union is well aware that no Soviet citizen earns enough money to be able to emigrate. If a Soviet Jew were to come up with enough money on his own to be able to emigrate. he would undoubtedly be considered a black marketeer and subject to imprisonment because it would take virtually a lifetime to pay the ransom the Soviets demand for exit visas. Therefore. the burden of paying this blackmail falls heaviest on the rest of the world Jewish community. Mr.
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