Russia's 20th Century Migration: A Shifting Framework

In the 20th century, Russia's focus on political matters cast a shadow over economic migration. The government sought total control over its citizens, but couldn't always pull it off. Migrants often slipped through the cracks due to mixed efforts from central and local authorities. As the Soviet Union evolved, it became more open, giving migrants more legal paths to move around. The shift from force to economic factors meant less room for "do-it-yourself" migration. When the Soviet Union started to ease its grip, migrants found new opportunities. The government couldn't keep tabs on everyone, allowing some to sneak through. This period saw a mix of control from the center and local authorities. Later on, as the Soviet Union changed, it offered more legal ways to migrate. This change meant migrants had to consider economic factors more.