There were indications that the Soviets would allow Irina to join her husband in the United States. This was not to be the case. in spite of numerous appeals and letters. many of which emanated from Congress. most of which I cosigned. Permission to emigrate has been repeatedly denied. Over the past few weeks. we have witnessed the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet forces. The New York Times and the Washington Post have provided us with extensive coverage of the events. enabling us to fully grasp the sense of anguish and of humiliation of the once proud people of Afghanistan. In Iran. the fate of the American hostages is still pending. as we continue to share the daily anxiety of their families. While receding from front page news. the situation in Indochina continues to unfold. In the face of the national tragedy that has befallen Afghanistan. in the face of the uncertainty that weighs over the hostages in Tehran. in the face of the plight of the Indochinese refugees. the particular case of one individual may appear to some almost frivolous. unworthy of our attention when so much tragedy is happening elsewhere. I do not share this belief. Indeed. all the situations enumerated are part of the same international problem. and therefore each deserves to be singled out. and each merits our attention and efforts in equal amounts.
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emigrate refugees