How difficult was it for Polish citizens to emigrate during the 1980's?

In the 1980's was it difficult for Polish citizens to immigrate to another country?
Was it even more difficult to come to the United States versus other countries?
Did anyone here move to the US during that time or know someone who did?

I am curious as to how the process worked at that time.
Even if it was before the 1980's I'd still like to learn about the experience.
The best answer I found online was that many requests were denied.

I ask because that's when my parents moved and they don't seem interested in sharing their US immigration story.

A friend of mine's father worked in the UK in the 1980s, they were a known Solidarity family and to this day are still not sure whether he got to work in the UK for the reason that outside money helped Poland's ailing economy or it was considered safer to have him out of the country.