It is obvious that the spirit of glasnost and perestroika are contagious. and we in the West should do whatever we can to encourage these dramatic changes. But in our anticipation let us not act too hastily. The JacksonVanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 gives the President the authority to waive the prohibition on the grant of MFN status to any nation which restricts emigration if such a waiver would further the amendments goals. Since 1978. several Presidents have invoked this clause with respect to Hungary. There is no question that Hungary has made substantial progress in democratizing its government. The Hungarian Parliament has indicated that they are considering a new emigration law which would formalize Hungarys already liberal emigration policy. If that legislation is adopted. the administration has indicated that our Nation would support a determination that Hungary meets the JacksonVanik criteria. and would not longer require an annual waiver. Most important. if the Government of Hungary were to reimpose restrictions on emigration. the President would be empowered to withdraw MFN status. This bill. while certainly well intentioned. does not provide that flexibility. Current law provides a preferable annual waiver in order to extend mostfavorednation [MFN] status to Hungary.
Keywords matched
emigration