Mr. Speaker. Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union has reached its lowest point since 1971. Throughout the 1970s we observed a steady increase in Jewish emigration. reaching a high point in 1979 of 51.320. Yet. now emigration has been almost completely cut off. It is estimated that there are over 500.000 Soviet Jews. like Mark. who desperately want to emigrate if only the Soviet authorities would consent. It is important for us to keep the pressure on the Soviet Union to honor the commitments it made under the Helsinki accords 8 years ago. This agreement compels all signatory nations to "respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. including the freedom of thought. conscience. religion. or belief." The accord also states that each nation will "work in a positive and humanitarian spirit with the applications of persons who wish to reunite with members of their family." and that signatory nations would "process applications in this field as expeditiously as possible." On every count. the Soviet Union has flagrantly violated this agreement.
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emigrate emigration