Speech #980043609

For 12 years we have come together to share the sorrows. frustrations. and strength of our brothers and sisters in the Soviet Union in hopes that soon. they may live their lives in freedom and without fear of persecution. Yet. despite efforts in the United States. within the Soviet Union and around the world. Soviet emigration is at an alltime low. Only 2.692 individuals were allowed to emigrate in 1982. a phenomenal decrease from over 50.000 emigres in 1979. Those who apply for visas risk loss of their jobs. their social status and their hope. The Helsinki Final Act clearly guarantees the basic human right of freedom to emigrate and to be reunited with families abroad. As the Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. better known as the Helsinki Commission. and as the ranking majority member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I have worked with many others in the pursuit of freedom for people of all nationalities and religions who wish to emigrate from Eastern bloc nations and begin a fresh new life abroad. where they may fully and openly practice their beliefs. The callousness exhibited by Soviet officials toward those who wish to emigrate violates the very spirit of cooperation that we in the United States seek to encourage. For 12 years now we have gathered to express our solidarity with 3 million Soviet Jews and others who wish to emigrate or live free within their native lands. On May 22 we will join together again. With hope. such gatherings will not be necessary in the future but. until then. on Sunday and on every day of the year. the voice of freedom among people the world over will be heard until all peoples are free from fear and persecution.e