President. I think that it Is understandable that the Soviets find it necessary to phase in this new right in view of the lack of passports. experienced staff. and other technical means. I never felt that a new Soviet emigration law was essential. What has always been Important to my mind Is whether people are actually free to emigrate rather than the technicalities of the law. Moreover. JacksonVanik does not require that the Soviets codify their emigration reforms. The legislation conditioning MFN status on emigration practices states that it Is enough for the President to receive assurances that the emigration practices of the country will improve. In the case of the Soviets. these Improvements are well established. But passage of an emigration law by the Soviets was a criterion President Bush insisted on for granting MFN. Now that the Soviets have passed such a law the President has no reason for inaction or delay. He should act now. favorably and promptly.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration