Speaker. I rise today to address the House out of a concern for the plight of Soviet Jews. As I am sure you are aware. the Soviet Union has completely disregarded the tenets of the Helsinki accords by refusing to acknowledge the fundamental human right of the freedom to emigrate. Unfortunately. our relations with Israel have been tainted because of the recent voting error on the part of the United States. The Carter administrations blunder is a demonstration of both insensitivity and irresponsibility. In an effort to rebuild our positive relations with Israel. I urge that we exert even stronger pressure on the Soviet Union to allow the many who wish to emigrate to do so. In the past. the Soviet Unions human rights record has been abysmal. A particular case in point is one Alexander Maryasin. a Soviet refusenik who wishes to reunite his family in Israel and who has been refused an exit visa for himself and his family over 15 times. Alexander Maryasin was stripped of his important position in industry. and his daughter was not allowed to finish her education. This forced change in lifestyle. coupled with persistent refusals to emigrate. have placed the Maryasin family under considerable emotional strain. and they have demonstrated enormous strength in the face of such dismal events. Last February 26. I was joined by 27 of my colleagues here in the House in expressing anger at the Soviet authorities constant refusals to grant exit visas to Alexander Maryasin and his family. I would like to thank those members at this time. Again. let me raise my voice in opposition to the Soviet Unions mistreatment of Jews.
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emigrate visas visa