I would like to bring to the attention of the House the deteriorating situation for Jews in the Soviet Union. After the signing of the Helsinki accords in 1975. the number of Jews permitted to leave the Soviet Union each year rose dramatically to over 50.000 at its peak. Since 1979. the number of emigrants has steadily decreased. and if the decline continues at its present rate. fewer than 800 Jews will be allowed to emigrate this year. But those are the lucky ones. The refuseniks left behind face systematic harassment and possible imprisonment for their requests to leave the Soviet Union.
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emigrate emigrants