Post-Soviet emigration today and tomorrow

Trends in migration from the former Soviet Union are examined in light of recent political changes there. The author projects that "the number of departures may go up to 1-1.5 million people a year. This may happen if the present unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and instability continue to exist and if technical problems related to exit arrangements are solved. Once the situation normalizes first and foremost in Russia, the scope of emigration may be maintained at a level of 500,000 to 600,000 people per annum within the next two or three years and then begin to decline."