Mr. Speaker. responsible officials of the Department of State are presently conducting final negotiations with U.S. voluntary agencies for use of the $50 million appropriated by Congress last year to help resettle Russian Jews in Israel. I want to bring to the attention of all my colleagues who are concerned with the Jewish emigration from Russia that a sense of urgency now surrounds these negotiations. Last week the Soviet Union relented on severe emigration restrictions when it unofficially announced "suspension" of the decree requiring heavy exit fees from universityeducated citizens emigrating to Israel or other nonCommunist countries. I say this suspension is unofficial for I have the trepidation Its longevity may be directly related to the time when the Soviet Union consummates trade agreements with our own Government giving the U.S.S.R. mostfavorednation status Once they have that agreement in hand I fear they may repeal the waiver of the exit tax. Therefore. it behooves us to urge the Department of State to press ahead in its negotiations with voluntary agencies with all possible expedition. Since most of the migrants leaving Russia are destined for Israel. the principal voluntary agency concerned is the United Israel Appeal for which the Jewish Agency for Israel will conduct the program. The Department of State informs me that areas to be supported with U.S. money include: enlargement of a transit center in Western Europe. maintenance of refugees in transit. transportation of refugees and their effects from Western Europe to Israel. construction of hostels. absorption centers and housing in Israel. and education and training assistance. including special youth care. The Soviets repressive restrictions on freedom and. specifically. the exit fee are. to me. chilling reminders of the despotism of the cold war era. We in the Congress should seek the abolishment of all such curbs of freedom.
Keywords matched
emigration emigrating migrants refugees