One aspect of the Helsinki accords which has not received adequate attention is the provision requiring the signatory nations to. in the specific language of the Helsinki accords. "favorably consider applications for travel with the purpose of allowing persons to enter or leave their territory temprarily. and on a regular basis if desired. in order to visit members of their families." It is estimated that about 5 million Americans have familial ties in the U.S.S.R. For some the relatives are distant. but for many others the ties are more immediatea brother or sister. a mother or father. a grandparent. The number of individuals who have emigrated from the U.S.S.R. to the United States over the last 15 to 20 years alone is approximately 200.000. Almost without exception. emigres leave loved ones behind. Many of them are then denied permission to see each other. Mr. Speaker. I believe Andrei Sakharov summarized the issue well when he said simply. "It is the inalienable right of all human beings to see their families." For those contemplating emigration from the Soviet Union. prohibiting the exercise of this "inalienable right" can be a deciding factor not to attempt emigration at all. It can have a chilling effect on the decision to emigrate. In effect. emigres who are not allowed to return for visits have been condemned to a form of "exile"-they are forced to choose between their adopted residence and their cherished family ties. Mr.
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