Fraternity-Testvériség, 1958 (36. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)

1958-05-01 / 5. szám

10

FRATERNITY

of Péter Pázmány University (later renamed Eötvös Lorant University) have received training equivalent to a level between the bachelor’s and master’s degree of the better universities of the United States. It could also be concluded that the enforced instruction in Marxism and the Russian language usually had an effect contrary to that which was hoped for by the Communist leaders. Although most of these people had encountered the experience of revolution, escape from Hungary, separation from loved ones, continued uncertainty regarding a future, they presented surprisingly few practical personality problems. Being met and treated as equals by their American colleagues had a visibly comforting and reassuring effect.

Apart from being amazed by the continuous flow of much highly qualified talent from a relatively small country, members of the staff also were interested in the general intellectual attitude of the newcomers from Hungary. Most of the people interviewed possessed considerable awareness of social and political issues and a more than basic knowledge of the humanities which they traditionally were taught to consider as essential premises to learning. They also tended to regard science as a method of approach as well as a subject of study. These attitudes were strongly reflected in their choice of recreation and hobbies, blending a career in natural sciences with interest in music, fine arts and literature.

Above all, they brought a fresh appreciation of freedom, an appreciation acquired only through the experience of having lived under Communist domination for ten years. These people are the doers as well as the contemplators. In keeping with the best traditions of earlier immigrations to our country, they bring a new blood, enthusiasm and aspiration.

Certain observations and recommendations concerning the future may be in order. First, it should be made clear that termination of the parolee program in no way changes the customary and special opportunities for immigration to the United States. The “first preference” mechanism which enables a university, industry or hospital to bring in qualified immigrants is a regular feature of our immigration laws, but within recent years it has been utilizer only to about 5 per cent of the extent authorized by existing legislation. The district offices of the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the United States consular officers abroad are in a position to give the necessary details of this procedure. Furthermore, recent legislation (Public Law 85-316) allocates an additional 15,000 visas to escapees from Communist countries in Europe, including Hungary. Doubtless, those who come to the United States under this legislation will include many with special qualifications in science, engineering and medicine.

Those associated with the Academy’s Hungarian Scientists Program have found the entire experience both challenging and rewarding. It has been a source of inspiration to see the refugee, weary and harassed upon arrival, soon become happily settled in job and home. More significantly, at a time when the United States is embarking upon a long-term program to satisfy its shortage of scientific personnel, the rapid assimilation of great numbers of scientists from abroad, already well-trained, can only be considered a legacy of the first order. The Academy hopes to continue indefinitely to assist refugee scientists who seek opportunities in the United States.