One of the earliest discoveries made by scientists is that even the most ancient humans engaged in migration. Representatives of the human kind have been seeking better places to live since the dawn of time. They were constantly moving from one location to another.
Initially, their motivation was quite primitive. For example, ancient people searched for means of survival and food. They migrated from areas with poor soil and poor fauna to zones abundant with animals and lands suitable for cultivating plants.
As human civilization progressed, so did the reasons for migration. Today, people often move from one country to another due to political reasons. An example is migrants who lived under totalitarian regimes and decided to seek freedom.
Many people migrate for economic reasons. It’s simple: they search for countries where they can earn enough money to provide a good standard of living for themselves and their families. In this case, developed European countries often become their destination.
Some individuals conclude that they cannot realize their full potential in their homeland. They seek countries where modern technologies, arts, sports, and other areas are more developed.
USA and Migration
Since gaining independence from the British Empire, the USA has become one of the most sought-after places to live for people from other countries. This trend continues to this day. Currently, the USA holds the top place in terms of the number of migrants. Although in percentage terms there are not so many of them (15%), in absolute terms the figures are surprising: about 50 million migrants live here. The USA is significantly ahead of the country that holds the “silver” in this indicator. We are talking about Germany. About 16 million migrants live here. The difference is more than 300%!
Today, migration figures in the USA are at a record level, comparable only to the numbers recorded at the end of the 19th century. Scientists predict that soon the number of migrants arriving in the USA each year will exceed the number of children born in the country over the same period.
Residents from post-Soviet countries form a large category of migrants in the USA. Active migration from this region began during the world wars of the last century. The Russian Revolution, World War I, and World War II resulted in approximately one million people leaving their homeland to move to the USA. Another factor driving people to change their place of residence was the threat of exile to Siberia.
Despite efforts by US authorities to control migration, this process has only been slightly slowed, but not stopped. For example, stricter immigration laws were adopted by the US authorities after World War I, when one of the largest influxes of migrants in history was recorded.
Another migration surge occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. It reached its peak after 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war began. This event caused the number of Ukrainian migrants to increase from 1,799 per year before the war to 10,991 per year now.
RusRek – A Platform that Helps Russian-Speaking Expats
This platform became the first commercial project to address the needs and demands of Russian-speaking migrants in New York. The project RusRek has existed for over 30 years and continues to evolve and expand each year.
The platform offers several tools for interacting with migrants.
The Platform’s Website
This is a valuable informational resource for Russian-speaking migrants who are just settling in the USA. On the website, people can find useful information and announcements aimed at improving their quality of life. Significant attention is given to the social aspect. This website allows expats to freely communicate, make new acquaintances, and resolve various issues with the help of more experienced migrants.
On the website, visitors can read a blog. It consists of five categories: health, economics, crimes, news, and immigration intricacies. Any expat can post an announcement on the website about a service they are seeking. For example, veterinary services, apartment or home repairs, car rentals, transportation, medical services, and so on.
It’s no surprise that RusRek has successfully operated in the USA for more than 30 years. This platform is an invaluable tool for Russian-speaking people who have come to the USA and are just beginning their journey toward the American dream.
Radio Station
The platform has its own radio station. It operates on frequency 96.3 FM. Here, expats can listen to the latest news in their native language. For example, news about events in the USA, post-Soviet countries, Israel, and so on. Great attention is paid to news in the fields of culture, information technology, medicine, art, and more. The radio station helps migrants easily plan their leisure time, providing information about upcoming exhibitions, concerts, football, basketball, and other sports matches.
One of the most challenging aspects new expats face in the USA is the healthcare system. The radio station helps migrants get accustomed to it. Here, they can get information about the latest medications, medical procedures and equipment, the nuances of American insurance-based healthcare. Radio hosts discuss topics related to cardiology, oncology, traumatology, pediatrics, and much more.
Moreover, migrants can listen to success stories of fellow expats who moved to the USA before them. This is an excellent motivation for those who have just relocated and may feel confused. These migrants share how they overcame challenges, inspiring newcomers.
Newspaper
RusRek understands that not everyone frequently uses the internet or radio, and some may not have time for this. That’s why the platform allows migrants to get acquainted with important news on the way to work, study, etc. The newspaper can be obtained right in the New York subway. Migrants can spend time on the road in a useful way for themselves and their families.
RusRek’s Offerings for American Businesses
- The ability to place ads on the website. It’s free. Companies can convey their commercial information to their target audience.
- Results of marketing research. Businesses can save money on such studies by using already gathered information about their target audience.
- Comprehensive business promotion. RusRek can support American businesses by helping them reach Russian-speaking migrants, which undoubtedly brings companies considerable profit.
RusRek is a real find both for Russian-speaking migrants and for businesses looking to engage with them.
Published by: Holy Minoza