Description
U.S.-Russia relations have improved at times and worsened at others which has significantly contributed to rates of immigration. Over the past few centuries, Russian immigration has ebbed and flowed due to changing Soviet policy. During the 1970s, the relaxation of these policies on emigration allowed for the influx of Russian immigrants to the U.S.
For example, Brighton Beach, a community neighboring Brooklyn, N.Y., served as a major destination for Russian emigres beginning in 1973. Although immigrants began arriving during and after World War II, the majority immigrated in the 1970s after the Soviet Union relaxed emigration policies. Brighton Beach is also known as "Little Odessa", due to the large percentage of its residents who originate from Odessa. In addition, is also a hub of criminal and mafia activity.
Source
Idov, Michael. "New York Magazine." NYMag.com. N.p., 2 Apr. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. <http://nymag.com/guides/everything/brighton-beach/>.
Keteyian, Armen. "Undercover Look Inside The Russian Mob." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 13 May 2008. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/undercover-look-inside-the-russian-mob/>.
Lewine, Edward. "From Brighton Beach to America; The Wave of Immigrants Began 25 Years Ago. Soon Russian Filled the Streets. Now, the Tide Is Ebbing.." The New York Times. The New York Times, 13 Mar. 1999. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/14/nyregion/brighton-beach-america-wave-immigrants-began-25-years-ago-soon-russian-filled.html>.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/undercover-look-inside-the-russian-mob/