The problem of migration of the population from nearby countries abroad to the Russian Federation

In recent years, a significant number of natives of Central Asian countries have not only come to Russia as labor migrants, but have also acquired Russian citizenship. The migration legislation of the Russian Federation has consistently expanded the opportunities for obtaining citizenship under a simplified procedure. This paper analyzes quantitative indicators of migration processes: the number of natives of Central Asian countries who have acquired citizenship, the share of Russians among those who have acquired citizenship, and the dynamics of citizenship acquisition. 99.9 % of foreigners acquire Russian citizenship through the simplified procedure. The author sees the main problem in the fact that participants in the program of resettlement of compatriots are exempt from passing the Russian language test. Participants in most other programs purchase certificates of knowledge of the Russian language at commercial centers. A significant number of new citizens do not know Russian and do not strive to integrate into multinational Russian society, which contributes to the deterioration of interethnic relations. The increase in allowances for children from low-income families makes it profitable for citizens of the poorest countries to come to Russia and live without working at the expense of allowances for children. The author offers proposals for reforming Russian migration legislation.