Mr. President. there has been a shift in Soviet behavior regarding human rights activities in recent weeks. Prisoners have been released. and there is talk of higher emigration levels. I welcome the Soviet Governments attempts to follow internationally accepted human rights practices. but greater steps are necessary. The situation of Jews in the Soviet Union has not improved. Jewish activists who have been imprisoned for teaching Hebrew or applying to emigrate remain in prison. Until the Soviet Union allows Jews to practice their religion freely within the country or emigrate to practice in the West. Soviet reforms will not be complete. Not only are those who are in prison subject to persecution by the Soviet Government. Naum Meiman and his wife. Inna. who passed away in Washington. DC. in February. have been longtime activists who were refused permission to emigrate on numerous occasions. When Inna was diagnosed to have cancer that required medical attention available in the West. the Soviets delayed issuing her an exit visa until her illness had progressed to a point where it could no longer be cured. During this difficult period. Naum was not permitted to join his wife in the United States to offer comfort and support. He was not even allowed to attend Innas funeral. Although Naum has little left to live for in the Soviet Union without Inna. the Soviets continue to deny him an exit visa. This blatant human rights violation must not continue. I implore the Soviet Government to grant Naum Meiman permission to emigrate.*
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emigrate emigration visa