U.S.-Russian Relations and Russian Immigration to the U.S. (Research Brief)

This project is concerned with the study of immigration from Russia to the United States prior to 1917 and the establishment of Russian communities in the United States. Emigration from the Russian Empire grew tremendously beginning about the last third of the nineteenth century, with ever-increasing numbers choosing the United States as a permanent or temporary new home. The reasons for emigration were numerous, from political and religious persecution to economic betterment. The paths of emigration were also varied, including a great deal of illegal departures. The response of the Russian government to the growing wave of emigrants was generally positive, and efforts were made to help maintain their bonds with the motherland.

Anatol Shmelev, of Stanford University, was a 2011-2012 Embassy Policy Specialist (EPS) fellow.