Speech #1000082635

Unlike his predecessors. Gorbachev has talked openly about Soviet Jews. But. while Gorbachev extolls the rewarding cultural lifestyle Soviet Jews enjoy. the emigration figures reveal a somewhat different picture. During the past 22 years of the Gorbachev regime the emigration numbers have fluctuated significantly. In 1985 only 1.140 refuseniks were granted exit visas. By 1986 the number of emigres declined to 986. Although the figures have risen to more than 3.300 during the first half of 1987. emigration regulations continue to be exceedingly restrictive. One of the excuses most often used in denying exit visas is that of "state security." Although Gorbachev declared that a wait of 5 to 10 years should be the limit for visa applicants. those privy to state secrets. regardless of how long ago. are often permanently denied exist visas. Emigration visa denials based on claims of "state security" often belie the reality. In 1986. Foreign Minister Schevernadze announced a new emigration policy. Under this policy. applicants must be sponsored by spouses. parents. and children or siblings living abroad. However. many applicants who fall within these guidelines are still denied permission to emigratemost with no explanation. Yosef Yosovich is one of those who was refused without explanation. Yosef was the chief agronomist in a collective farm until 1970. He then became an assistant director of a souvenir factory. His wife was a laboratory technician. Yosef and his family wanted to emigrate to Israel to be with Yosefs parents and brother. In March 1980. he submitted the required documents. including the invitations from his relatives living in Israel. The family waited 1 year for a response. but none came.