In fact. the Helsinki Watch Committee has stated. "Romania is generally considered to be one of the most egregious human rights offenders in Eastern Europe." Clearly. the JacksonVanik amendment sought an improvement in human rights in the Soviet bloc. Romania has made a mockery of our generosity. Emigration. the primary concern of JacksonVanik. has been severely restricted. While it is true that emigration numbers are up. those receiving permission to leave are not the people I believe Senator Jackson and Congressman Vanik had in mind. According to former Ambassador to Romania David Funderburk. We were outfoxed by [Romanian President] Ceausescu. He in effect dumped people on us like a miniMarieCuban boatlift. Hundreds of those approved for emigration were undesirables. Meantime. many of those we wanted out are still waiting for official permission. The consequences of legitimately applying for permission to emigrate are severe. During the lengthy processing delayssometimes for yearsmany lose their jobs. are evicted from their houses. are denied education for their children. and lose their medical benefits. Romanias record on other human rights is not better.
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emigrate emigration Emigration