When I suggested his participation in regional security and peace talks with Israel. President Hussein responded that he needed first to concentrate on peace between Iraq and Iran. but he did not rule out Iraqi participation in a regional conference. President Hussein expressed concern and annoyance about the United States limiting the number of Soviet Jewish immigrants in order to force them to go to Israel. He appeared to be unaware that this limitation was a part of overall U.S. restrictions on immigrants from all nations. I discussed with him in some detail U.S. immigration practices including the necessity for a floor amendment in the Senate last year to secure even the admission of 30.000 technicians. scientists and other highly skilled immigrants into the United States. I also pointed out to President Saddam Hussein that. in fact. the number of Soviet Jews eligible for admission to the United States had been increased. and I commented on my own special interest in increasing such immigration because my parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia and RussoPoland. In the recent past. it appeared to be the position of Iraqi officials that the United States needed to prove that it wanted good relations. with Iraq. During my visit to Baghdad 1 year ago.
Keywords matched
immigration immigrants