Freedom of expression not only allows individuals to challenge the Inefficiency of an entrenched bureaucracy. it also allows expressions of hate and violence without fear or reprisal. Hate groups such as Pamyat have flourished in this atmosphere of glasnost. The rise in antiSemitic activity has in part fueled the desire of many Soviet Jews to emigrate. Let me also mention one last concern of the Soviet Jewish community both here and abroad. There has been a great deal of discussion about the JacksonVanik trade amendments to the 1974 Trade Act. Some in Congress have advocated lifting JacksonVanik as a reward to Mikhail Gorbachev for his efforts at democratization in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. and to support him during this unstable period. Let me remind my colleagues that the Soviet Union has not passed any right of emigration legislation. which remains the basis upon which any longterm waiver must be considered. Not until the Soviet Union passes emigration legislation. codifies it. and implements it for some time will it then be appropriate to consider lifting JacksonVanik. We must ensure that the Soviets match their words with deeds. To lift JacksonVanik at this time would be to reward the Soviet Union before they have fully met the conditions for a waiver.
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emigrate emigration