Speech #990160262

Shcharanskys new life in Israel. However. we must not forget the thousands of people left behind in the Soviet Union. left behind because of their political or religious views. There are many who strive to practice their religion freely within the Soviet Union. but Jews who may prefer to stay in the country often file for emigration papers because of a lack of hope for the futurea lack of hope for their children and their childrens children. We must encourage the Soviet Government to treat these human beings more fairly in such areas as education. employment. and religion. to name just a few areas. With the exception of the recent emigration of individuals as part of the Soviet family reunification program. the Soviet Union has all but shutdown emigration since reaching a peak in 1979. We must step up our negotiations with the Soviet Union to open the doors of freedom for those within the country who wish to emigrate. Although a change in Soviet policy will not come easily. we must work unceasingly to encourage better treatment for all oppressed people within the Soviet Union. for consistent emigration application policies. and finally for increased emigration for those who wish to leave. Historically. emigration has increased during times of open discussion between the United States and the U.S.S.R. and we will have the chance to further these discussions when President Reagan and Chairman Gorbachev meet later this year. Let us join together as a nation to support open discussion which will work toward a more civilized and humane policy for immigration and religious freedom for Soviet Jews.