11 Opinion: Working with Russian-speaking people in the U.S.

Peter Busscher’s reflection on working with Russian speaking immigrants in 2024

In my experience working as an English teacher for approximately 30 Russian-speaking immigrants and refugees over the past year, I have identified several key problem areas that a focused Russian language program, tailored for NGO or diplomatic work, could help address. These areas are primarily aimed at easing their transition to American life and helping them integrate more effectively. Learning Russian vocabulary related to these topics is immensely helpful for all involved.

Firstly, many of the individuals I have worked with bear clear signs of trauma or strong emotions related to the war in Ukraine. This deeply affects their resettlement process and must be addressed with care. For example, students from bombed cities in Ukraine would be frightened whenever they heard loud noises, like thunder. This made simultaneous language classes a challenge. Similarly, a woman from Russia whose husband and family left for political reasons was very sensitive to any discussion of the war and would often make dismayed statements about the future of her country unprompted. Knowledge of vocabulary related to the war and the process of mobilization was helpful in personal conversations.

Secondly, visa problems are among the most pressing concerns faced by Russian-speakers in the United States. Navigating the complex and often opaque visa system can be a significant hurdle. For instance, many newcomers have difficulty understanding the requirements of their asylum or visa applications, which complicates their work with legal and career advocates in the nonprofit sphere. I have worked with several highly skilled individuals who spent months trying to decipher visa paperwork after the expiration of their United for Ukraine (U4U) documents. Knowing what they are allowed to do and for what period with their visas is a challenge.

Additionally, for some individuals from former Soviet countries, the American system of laws and regulations can seem byzantine and inscrutable. Understanding these laws is crucial for their successful integration. One student I tutored was bewildered by the process of registering a new business, saying it was much simpler in Ukraine. Another Russian student was curious about the potential need to register their place of habitation (propiska). Furthermore, some aspects of American life are understandable but challenging, such as the need for immunization records in schools and obtaining education equivalence certification.

Taxes, in particular, pose a substantial challenge, as the process is remarkably obscure without proper guidance. Clear, accessible information is essential to help them navigate this aspect of American life. For example, an elderly couple I assisted was on the verge of missing the tax filing deadline because they couldn’t understand the forms and feared they would be penalized for mistakes. Sales tax being calculated at checkout makes grocery shopping confusingly expensive.

Above all, the most critical need for the majority of the clients I work with is finding employment that matches their skillset. Securing appropriate employment is vital for their sense of stability and self-sufficiency. Most students I have worked with cite their English-speaking level as the greatest barrier to skilled employment, alongside an all-around tight labor market. I am currently working with a former university professor from Kazakhstan who is unable to find university work due to the difficult job market, his age, and lack of English fluency.