President. we are constantly bombarded with important issues here in the Congress. new crises and new problems arise every week which require our attention and very often. our action. But it is very important that we do not lose sight of continuing events. For several years now. the Government of the Soviet Union has been hindering the attempts of many thousands of Jews in that country to emigrate to Israel. This right to emigrate to their religious homeland. of which they are citizens. is a fundamental facet of human freedom. I and many Senators and publicspirited citizens in the United States have been working steadily to persuade the Soviet Government to relax its emigration policies. These pressures have been partially successful. After great outcries in this country and around the world. the Soviet Government rescinded its "education tax" which required payment of exorbitant fees for exit visas for Jewsor otherswho had received higher education. By all accounts. the continuation of interest. public comment. and public outrage are effective weapons in maintaining the flow of emigrants at as high a level as possible. However. the task is still far from over. Many Jews are refused exit visas. Also serious is the policy of the Soviet Government toward people who even have the courage to apply for exit visas. These brave people are usually fired from their jobs. denied the right to make a living. or utilize their training. Harassment goes on in other ways: communications with the West are cut off from time to time. young men are drafted into the Army. and arbitrary and capricious administrative rules are Imposed. and then broken in a fashion which keeps these people in constant suspense and torment. never knowing when their application might be approved.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration visas emigrants