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Walter Polovchak, "The Littlest Defector."

Walter Polovchak. Polovchak was a 12-year-old Ukrainian immigrant living with his family in Chicago, when he refused to return with them to the Soviet Union. His decision provoked a storm of controversy from his family and authorities in both countries and attracted worldwide media attention. The court battles continued for five years until Polovchak reached his 18th birthday in 1985 and was sworn in as an American citizen.

09:20

Other segments from the episode on March 3, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 3, 1988: Interview with Zakes Mokae; Review of Rick Springfield and Lisa Hartman's albums "Rock of Life" and "Till My Heart Stops"; Interview with Walter Polovchak;…

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