Embassy in Moscow Two members of the Chmykhalov family and five members of the Vashchenkc family survive with only the barest necessities confined to a single room in the basement of the Embassy. They prefer living with the uncomfortable inadequacies of the Embassy basement where they can at least worship freely and educate their children as they please rather than be subjected to the government restrictions imposed upon them as ordinary Soviet citizens. The families spend their time praying. studying English. reading the Bible. and silently hoping they will eventually win the right to immigrate to the West. Saturday. June 27. 1981. will mark the third anniversary of the families temporary refuge in our Embassy. This is a most appropriate time for us to commemorate their struggle and reaffirm our commitment to their quest for personal and religious freedom. In the face of grim circumstances. the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families have chosen to remain optimistic. believing that God will deliver them. In spite of their lack of success in gaining exit visas year after year. their faith and determination do not diminish. Their optimism grows as world concern for their situation spreads. Their undying courage. determination. and willingness to sacrifice their personal health and freedom is truly admirable. The Chrnykhalov and Vashchenko families dream of personal and religious freedom for themselves. as well as for all Pentecostal Christians and others in the Soviet Union who seek religious and personal freedom. As long as this dream remains alive. we. as leaders of the free world. must provide them with the moral support necessary to endure this difficult struggle for emigration. Senator CARL LEvIN has introduced Senate bill 312. which I am privileged to cosponsor. S. 312 will guarantee the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families protection under the U.S.
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emigration immigrate visas