Our position is simple. The term "family unification." which is included in the Helsinki Act as one of the goals of the international movement of peoples. ought to include extended family members. A more liberal definition would greatly increase the number of Jews eligible for exit visas. This position is consistent with past Soviet promises. In the Helsinki Accords. to which the Soviet Union is a signatory. nations promise tomake it their aim to facilitate freer movement and contacts. individually and collectively. whether privately or publicly. among persons. institutions. and orgnizations of the participating States. The accords specifically state that persons who wish to be united with their families be treated in a "positive humanitarian spirit." But after allowing an increase in emigration in 1979 the Soviets have simply changed their minds. High levels of emigration will not be tolerated. those educated people upon whom Soviet society depends will not be allowed to leave. The immediate family requirement has been imposed. the level of harassment has increased. more threats are made against refuseniks and their families. This position is unacceptable. and we must press Soviet decisionmakers to change current emigration law. Obviously. the performance of the Soviet Union in this area that is so close to the hearts of the American people. the treatment of people who are asserting their claims to the most basic of freedoms. will have an effect on how this Congress and this Nation perceive the Soviet Union and its intentions and promises and willingness to reduce tensions. I have previously spoken out in favor of three specific Soviet Jewish families: the Paritskys. the Rosensteins. and the Fradkins.
Keywords matched
emigration visas