[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ABRAHAM (for himself, Mr. Hatch, Mr. DeWine, Mr. 
        Hutchinson, and Mr. Brownback):
  S. 2476. A bill for the relief of Wei Jengsheng; to the Committee on 
the Judiciary.


                wei jengsheng freedom of conscience act

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, today I seek my colleagues' 
support for the Wei Jengsheng Freedom of Conscience Act. This bill will 
grant lawful permanent residence to writer and philosopher Wei 
Jengsheng, one of the most heroic individuals the international human 
rights community has known.
  For years, Mr. President, Wei has stood up to an oppressive Chinese 
government, calling for freedom and democracy through speeches, 
writings, and as a prominent participant in the Democracy Wall 
movement. His dedication to the principles we hold dear, and on which 
our nation was founded, brought him 15 years of torture and 
imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese communist regime. Seriously 
ill, Wei was released only after great international public outcry. Now 
essentially exiled, he lives in the United States on a temporary visa 
and cannot return to China without facing further imprisonment.
  Mr. President, granting Wei permanent residence will show that 
America stands by those who are willing to stand up for the principles 
we cherish. It also will help Wei in his continuing fight for freedom 
and democracy in China.
  I woul like to thank Senators Hatch, DeWine, Hutchinson, and 
Brownback for cosponsoring this bill. I should note also that this 
legislation has been endorsed by important human rights groups such as 
Laogai Research Foundation and Human Rights in China.
  I urge my colleagues to send a strong signal about America's 
commitment to human rights, human freedom, and the dignity of the 
individual by passing this bill to grant Wei Jengsheng lawful permanent 
residence in the United States.

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