A July article published by MoneyControl highlights a new, yet unexpected trend of American families seeking what is known as spiritual asylum in Russia, in response to the U.S President’s latest reforms, which they believe are reshaping the United States’ system in a way they no longer recognize. According to The Washington Post, this wave of migration comes from an initiative from President Putin, which has already pushed over 700 conservative U.S citizens to relocate to the Land of the Tsars drawn by a society that still cherishes traditional values.
The feature focuses on Leo Hare’s story. He is a Christian farmer from Texas, who expressed deep concerns over his safety in the U.S, and finally found the courage to bring his family to Russia, an unexpectedly welcoming place, citing Trump’s administration as a disappointment. A leap made a reality through the ‘shared values’ visa, which is a residency permit for those who profess alignment with the Russian government’s thoughts and moral values. As permit requests rise, RT (Russian media network) keeps sharing messages that reflect Putin’s ideology with a focus on homophobia, gender norms, anti-trans policies, and distrust of Western intellectual property.
However, many Americans claim the journey wasn’t always easy, from frozen bank accounts to pressure over residency taxes (up to $50,000 per family). A slow process which promises parental advantages and incentive for conservative families. But statistics tell a part of U.S expats see Russia as a whole new world with a focus on religion, traditional societal norms, and safer communities, while on the other hand, many fear legal troubles and strong extremism.
