Gorbachev "put his words into actions." We have heard much rhetoric about improved human rights conditions. We have seen great strides in the release of wellknow refuseniks. This year. let us hope to see the final stepthe release of the 400.000 Soviet Jews who have asked to emigrate. and the many others who would like to but have been discouraged from making the request. I would like to reaffirm my support for House Concurrent Resolution 34 and my opposition to the new Soviet emigration regulations which went into effect in January. These regulations basically limit exit visas to those who have an immediate family member outside of the Soviet Union. These policies close off emigration opportunities for thousands of Soviet Jews who have no family members or close relatives outside the Soviet Union. This new provision requires that an application for emigration be accompanied by an invitation from this family member and further stipulates that the request can be denied if the invitor is not approved by the Soviet Union. These rules will only serve to further reduce the already alarmingly low numbers of Soviet Jews allowed the right to live where they choose. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my support for another piece of legislation under consideration todayHouse Joint Resolution 67. which designates the week of May 310 as "Jewish Heritage Week." This week is especially timely considering the recent celebration of Passover. the upcoming celebration of Solidarity Sunday for Soviet Jewry.
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emigrate emigration visas