Senators. The amendment that has been proposed today. we should note. is prospective in the sense that it will be on the Magnuson bill whicli has been commented on by the distinguished senior Senator from Washington. It is our hope that between now and that time diplomacy can have an ameliorating effect and that those who represent our country in the negotiations with the Soviet Union on trade and other matters will be able to convince the Soviet Union that we are very serious about this opposition and are very much opposed to the kind of fees and taxes that are applied to people of the Jewish faith who seek to emigrate from the Soviet Union. I urge the Soviet Union and the distinguished representatives of their Government to take heed of this amendment. because what we are seeking to do here is not to obstruct trade but to uphold the cause of human rights. This amendment is very important. It states that the Senate is determined not to ignore the gross violations of human rights which presently seem to have official Soviet sanction. Our action will encourage the Soviet Union to remove their present schedule of exit fees which are based upon the education of an applicant for emigration. This action of the Soviet Union affects Soviet Jews who want to emigrate and desire to go to Israel. Those of us who have long supported EastWest trade want that trade to prosper and grow. But we regard this violation of human rights. the charging of exorbitant fees for visas or emigration fees as a serious barrier between our two countries. The Jews in the Soviet Union are being persecuted. They are being denied the right to practice their religion and their right to emigrate. a right that the Soviet Union accepted as part of the Declaration of Human Rights. Mr. President. finally. might I add that the introduction of this amendment does not mean that the United States is saying it is superior In its moral conduct to any other nation.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration visas