This article focuses on the integration process of Russian immigrants into Czech society. The integration of immigrants into Czech society is a key topic in the public debate as well as a political issue. Ukrainians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, and Russians are the most numerous groups within the half-million migrant population. Czechia is therefore predominantly attractive to non-EU immigrants. Representing highly educated and financially well-secured migrants who come as entire families, the Russians are distinct from other Eastern European immigrants. However, various factors hinder their integration. The article discusses the factors that shape symbolic and social boundaries in this integration process: (1) the development of Czech-Russian relationships that have been influenced by dramatic past events, (2) the representation of Russians in Czech media, (3) their specific socioeconomic status, and (4) Czech immigration and integration policies. Negative experience, socioeconomic inequalities, strict implementation of immigration policies towards third-country immigrants, and an unfavourable media discourse affect the attitudes of the majority toward the Russians and limit meaningful encounters. KEYWORDS symbolic and social boundaries; immigration and integration policies; media discourse; Russian immigrants; Czechia
The paper aims to understand the relations between segregation, integration, and interaction of Russian immigrants in the city of Prague. Focusing on localities with a high-level concentration of Russians, the paper discusses the choice of residential area and its assessment, future migration plans, and local relations and the nature of everyday social interaction of Russian immigrants with other Russians, immigrants, and Czech citizens. While Russians are in daily interaction with the majority as well as with their fellow countrymen, the research highlighted their tendencies of mental separation and isolation, which hinders local integration.
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