Speech #1000003486

The Kremlin is trying to tell the world that it has become a human rightsrespecting country. The new exit law has also been portrayed as being more liberal for Soviet Jews wanting to leave the U.S.S.R.. a country which systematically violates their human rights. While Jewish emigration from the U.S.S.R. reached its peak in 1979. with the departure of 51.000 Soviet Jews. recent departures have dwindled to a very low number. There are reportedly 400.000 Jews out of a population of 1.7 million who still want to obtain exit visas from that country. The new emigration law was enacted on November 6 in the form of a decree by the Soviet parliament. It was ostensibly intended to codify procedures. In fact. the new law actually narrows the basis for emigration. Under the old system. exceptions to the general emigration ban were made in cases of family reunification. This required applicants for exit visas to obtain invitations from relatives abroad. Invitations from aunts. cousins. and other distant relatives were accepted. Under the new law. invitations from a close relative. such as a spouse or parent. are the only ones accepted. Such changes in the emigration laws can have a serious impact upon those who are seeking to leave the Soviet Union. I am reminded of the case of Igor Ogurtsov. who will soon be completing a 20year sentence for treason. It should be pointed out that Mr.