The bill Is a signal of support in the Con. gress for the process of political and economIc change now underway In Hungary. and I believe it Is an Important step to reinforce the momentum created by President Bushs visit to Poland and Hungary In July. I support this bill for several reasons: First. Hungary has considerably relaxed its laws with respect to emigration. Since 1986 there have been no pending family reunification cases. and since January 1. 1988 valid passports for worldwide travel have been available on demand to nearly all Hungarians. Hungary Is In the process of complete liberalization of its emigration laws. its officials have drafted legislation which they plan to bring before the Hungarian Parliament at the end of September. These officials have consulted with the Department of State. and the proposed legislation would enable the President to inform the Congress that Hungary is In full compliance with the JacksonVanik Amendment to the 1974 Trade Act. Should the Hungarian Parliament complete Its new draft legislation. and should the President so Inform the Congress. then this bill. a 5year extension of mostfavored nation status. may be overtaken by events. But In the meantime passage of this bill is an Important signal that the Congress strongly supports these emigration reforms as well as the political and economic reform process In Hungary. Second. a longterm extension of mostfavored nation status Is Important to help create a climate of Investment certainty and business confidence. A key goal of our policy Is to build strong economic ties between Hungary and the West. to help support Hungary as it continues the difficult process of reform from a centrallyplanned economy to an open. market economy.
Keywords matched
family reunification emigration