Speech #1000019599

I rise in support of the resolution which is before us today. As a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 34. I am encouraged that a resolution focusing on the internationally recognized right for all individuals to emigrate is being given consideration by the House so early in the 100th Congress. It is a clear indication of our priorities. Much has been made of the new Soviet policy of glasnost or openness. While Mr. Gorbachev has been talking about a change in Soviet policy and attitudes. the West has not witnessed much of a substantive difference in the emigration policy. especially for certain individuals and groups including Soviet Jews. Only time will reveal the sincerity and genuineness of this new campaign. The right to emigrate from ones native country is fundamental and has been enshrined in international agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. the International Covenants on Human Rights and the Helsinki Final Act. Nonetheless. it was most disconcerting when on January 1 of this year. the Soviet Union issued new emigration regulations which severely restrict the right to emigrate. and even travel. to immediate relatives and family members. The number of individuals now eligible for visa applications has been drastically reduced due to these new restrictions. Furthermore. Mr. Speaker. Soviet officials may now deny travel visas without explanation. While these regulations merely codify ongoing Soviet policies. this blatant disregard for free movement is unacceptable. In addition. as noted in this resolution before us. these persistant and premeditated human rights abuses seriously affect the atmosphere needed for productive negotiations between the United States and the U.S.S.R. Foremost on the agenda for emigration rights. are the cases of individuals seeking to be reunified with their families. In fact. Mr.