Many analysts have criticized resettlement institutions for placing displaced people in inappropriate and desolate areas. This article seeks to determine the extent to which the Russian Federal Migration Service (FMS) plays an active, systematic role in the placement of dislocated peoples, focusing on refugees (bezhentsii) and forced settlers (pereselentsii) in the Russian Federation arriving from the Republic of Armenia. Using data on regional-level forced migrations flows, we investigate structural- and choice-based models for the prediction of settlement patterns. Findings indicate that variables associated with models of individual choice best predict the resettlement pattern for forced settlers and refugees from the Armenian Republic in the Russian Federation. Our findings question previously held assumptions regarding the meaning of refugee status and the influence of institutions on settlement location patterns.The Soviet Republic has experienced major population shifts between its 15 states since 1991. Large numbers of refugees and forced migrants are seeking asylum from successor states in Russia. The Federal Migration Service (FMS) of Russia keeps official registers of refugees and forced settlers, facilitates resettlement, and integrates migrants into society. This study examined the role of the FMS in resettling dislocated persons from Armenia to Russia. Data were obtained from official sources. 49.8% of immigrants to Russia come from the Central Republics. However, Armenia's refugee and forced migrant population is a larger share of its total population (about 5%, compared to 4.4% of Central Asian republics). A 1993 survey revealed that about 70% of the urban populations in Erevan, Gyumri, and Ashtarak would leave Armenia if the opportunity arose. 50% wanted their children to emigrate. In 1989 and 1993, the top receiving areas in Russia were Krasnodarskii Krai, Rostovskaia, and Stavropolskii Krai. In 1989, about 60% of the Armenian population in Russia lived in these territories. Ordinary least squares models indicate that 30% of the variance in Armenian resettlement in Russia, was predicted by high concentrations of Armenian residents and cost of living. Other structural factors, such as unemployment, urbanization, or new construction, were unrelated. Findings suggest that individual choice may be more important in determining residential location than migration policy.

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migration flows Armenian immigrants destination choice settlement pattern forced migration Russian Federation