Given questions about stability in the republics of the former Soviet Union. it would be unwise to let the law expire. Uncertainty pervades the lives of the historically persecuted in the Republics of the former Soviet Union. Soviet JeWs. Ukrainian Catholics and Orthodox. and many Evangelical Christians still live in fear. An extension is also necessary to facilitate the processing of refugee applicants from Vietnam. Cambodia. and Laos. Conditions have improved son*ewhat in these countries. but certain groups continue to suffer as a result of their previous associations with the United States. their political actions in opposing hardline Marxist governments which permits no political dissent or freedom of expression. and for their religious beliefs.