I rise in support of S. 312. which will assist the seven Soviet Pentecostals living in the basement of the American Embassy in Moscow. I cosponsored this legislation in the 96th Congress and am pleased to do so again in the 97th. The Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families have been attempting to emigrate from the Soviet Union for over 18 years. Two and a half years ago they entered our Embassy in Moscow seeking assistance in leaving the Soviet Union and took refuge when Soviet guards threatened them and dragged away one of the children. The living situation in the Embassy has been tolerable because of the kindness and help given them by our Embassy personneldone entirely on their own. However. the refuge of the families is a unique situation and it is apparent that some means are needed to clearly define the families legal status with regard to the United States Government. This legislation grants permanent resident status to the seven members of the families in the Embassy and will extend constitutional protections to them. It will not directly guarantee their emigration to the United States but should the Soviets allow them to receive exit visas. there are provisions in the bill which will expedite their emigration. I believe it is incumbent upon the United States to do all it can to aid these families in their struggle to gain permission to leave the Soviet Union. Finally.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration visas