I have been a fervent supporter of U.S. engagement with countries who have had a history of committing human rights violations. My positions rests on my belief that it is only through the gradual building of trust between nations that arises when commerce and cultural ideas flow freely. that democracy and freedom will prevail in such societies. To my deep regret. the Vietnamese government has demonstrated that no amount of economic engagement will compel improvements in its human rights record. especially when it comes to its emigration policies. The Presidents waiver of the JacksonVanik amendment this year is clearly without any basis. Indeed. it is contrary to the overwhelming evidence that the Vietnamese government does not permit free emigration as the JacksonVanik amendment requires before normal trading status can be conferred on Vietnam. Having visited Vietnam this past January. I can attest to the fact that Vietnam has done little to improve its human rights violations or loosened its restrictions on free emigration. Unlike China. which has made slow but measured progress in the area of human rights as witnessed by the many Chinese religious leaders and citizens that I spoke with during my visit to China last year. the same unfortunately cannot be said for Vietnam. Two VietnameseAmerican families in my district intimately understand the agony of having a family member thrown into a Vietnamese prison simply because they promoted human and political rights.
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emigration