Mr. Speaker. while the United States generally grants mostfavorednation status [MFN] unconditionally to all trading partners. the granting of this trade preference to Communist countries is tied to their emigration policies. Under the JacksonVanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974. Communist countries may be granted MFN status only if their emigration policy is relatively unrestricted. The purpose of the JacksonVanik amendment is to "assure the continued dedication of the United States to fundamental human rights * * *." Specifically. the amendment establishes minimum standards for emigration policy in recognition of the inherent right of an individual to leave a country. If a country is in substantial compliance with the JacksonVanik provisions. the President may request the authority to waive their application with respect to that country. For the past 10 years Romania has been granted MFN status on the basis of such a waiver.
Keywords matched
emigration