Speaker. as part of the 1986 Call to Conscience Vigil. I regret that it Is again necessary for me to call my colleagues attention to the continuing plight of Boris and Elena Klotz and their children. Boris and Elena originally applied to emigrate In September 1980 and were refused on the grounds that Elena had been exposed to "state secrets." However. Elena graduated in 1978 as a French teacher and had worked only briefly as a kindergarten teacher. In March 1981 the Klotz familys application was reviewed and denied againthis time on the grounds of insufficient kinship to their relatives in Israel. In September 1981 the family reapplied and were again denied on the grounds of Elenas supposed "association with state secrets." These denials clearly demonstrate the inconsistent and arbitrary nature of Soviet policy on family reunification. Our most recent Information on the Klotz family includes a report that Boris was offered a promotion at work if he agreed to give up his intention to emigrate. By granting the Klotz family permission to emigrate. the Soviet Union not only would indicate to the world its respect for the principles outlined In the Helsinki accords. but also would affirm Its desire to improve relations between the United States and the U.S.S.R.
Keywords matched
emigrate family reunification