Mr. President. when the Senator from Washington introduced his amendment to the EastWest trade bill last year. with overwhelming Senate support. the Senates immediate and most conspicuous concern was the "head tax" placed on Soviet Jews who wanted to leave the Soviet Union for Israel and other countries. Our message to the Soviet Government was clear: The United States Senate would not permit the Soviets access to the benefits of the American economy while their citizens. whether they be Christians. Jews. or members of various nationalities groups. were routinely and with impunity denied the fundamental human right to emigrate. We had hoped that the Soviet Union would appreciate the seriousness of our concern. and of our intent. and begin to dismantle the apparatus that prevented Soviet citizens from leaving their country unharassed. Instead. bolstered by the "spirit of detente." the Soviet Government has officially codified their outrageous "exit fee" policy. and has tightened their grip on all Soviet citizens who wish to leave their country.
Keywords matched
emigrate head tax