I remembered the expression on Galinas face and her comments to us. She was overwhelmed by the wedding ring I delivered from her husband in the United States. But after so many years of waiting and being refused the right to emigrate. Galina Is still not sure of the usefulness of talking to us. After making request after request with the Soviet officials and being denied time and time again. she wonders whether It will be with our influence that she will be let go. I wonder. too. It Is clear to me that the only consistency in Soviet policy on emigration is Inconsistency. These people are much more than numbers or names on a list. These are people who have been denied not only the right to emigrate. but countless other rights. including the right to work. to practice their religion. and to be free from harassment. fear. and separation from loved ones. It was difficult to leave the Soviet Union knowing they will be left behind. Yet. I was hopeful that the Soviet announcement that they will grant exit visas for several separated families cases will include some of the individuals I have visited and that it may indicate a change for the better In Soviet policy. After clearing customs at JFK airport from Moscow. however. I was informed that none of the individuals I met with were Included on the list to get exit visas. I was reminded of what Anatoly Shcharansky stressed to me in a recent meeting in Washington as I prepared for my trip. The Soviets. he said. choose to resolve a few emigration cases in order to quiet public pressure but we simply cannot forget the countless others who have been left behind. Mr. Speaker. for the old and the young Jews at the synagogue. for Boris. Abram. Galina and Marina. and their families. we must keep the pressure on the Soviet Union to establish a clear and consistent policy on emigration and to assure basic human rights.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration visas