President. most of my colleagues are familiar with the "Siberian Seven" and have cosponsored S. 312. a bill to grant them permanent resident status in the American Embassy in Moscow. While continuing to press forward with the bill. I am today submitting another measure. a concurrent resolution calling on the Soviet Government to allow the Siberian Seven and their familiesthe Chmykhalovs and Vashchenkosto emigrate. Recent developments in the families emigration efforts make prompt consideration of the resolution particularly important and timely. By the end of this m nth. it is expected that Soviet emigation officials will rule on the families petition to revoke Soviet citizenshipoften the first step toward emigration. The House of Representatives is scheduled to act on companion legislation tomorrow. Expeditious action in both Houses will insure that the Soviets are aware of our deep and abiding concern for the Vashchenkos and Chmykhalovs. Mr. President. the story of these families is one of disappointments and frustrations. but it is also one of hope. determination. and courage. Their efforts to emigrate were triggered in 1962 by the absolute realization that in order to freely practice their Pentecostal faith. they must leave the Soviet Union. Now. 20 years later. although Soviet emigration officials continue to fabricate excuses and delays. they steadfastly persevere. Although their years of struggle have been punctuated by harassment. deprivation. and confinement in psychiatric hospitals. labor camps. and state "reeducation" schools. they continue to wage their war for religious freedom. The Congress and millions of Americans first became acquainted with them in June of 1978 when seven of them rushed past Soviet guards into the American Embassy seeking emigration advice. It was never their intention to ask for refuge. but because they feared another round of retribution. they have resided in a modest basement room in the Embassy ever since. When my colleague.
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emigrate emigration