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Russian Community
Immigrants from
the former Soviet Union live in Kansas City for more than a quarter
of a century. The first people who came had originally immigrated
to Israel and their arrival in Kansas City was their second immigration.
The first family that arrived in Kansas City in 1974 directly from
the former Soviet Union was a Jewish family, and the Jewish Federation
provided help in their resettlement. In the early 80s, more than
500 immigrants from the former Soviet Union lived in Kansas City.
This estimate is confirmed by the fact that Kansas City Mayor welcomed
the 500th immigrant in the beginning of 1982. Afterward, immigration
significantly reduced until the late 80s when Gorbachev reduced
limitations for emigration. About 1000 immigrants came in the 90s
and were resettled through the Jewish Federation. During more than
20 years many elderly immigrants died while many children were born
to immigrant families. Some immigrants left the city and some moved
in from other cities.
A significant
number of immigrants from the former Soviet Union came in the last
10-15 years with the help of various churches. Many immigrants came
as professionals with work visas. While it is very hard to estimate
the number of immigrants from the former Soviet Union living in
Kansas City, there are about 3000 people. About 1000 of them are
Jews; about a couple hundred of them have Muslim roots; and rest
of them have Christian roots.
*excerpts from Voice of New Americans
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