THE RUSSIAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDE INDUSTRY: 
FROM RUSSIA FOR LOVE, TO AMERICA IN DANGER

By Lisa Schwamkrug, J.D.

Natasha^* is in her late thirties, divorced, and a mother of two children. Natasha wanted nothing more than to find a man to share her life with. Although she is well educated and holds a degree from an engineering institute, and is a beautiful, warm and caring person, she had few prospects for marriage in Russia. Few Russian men are interested in marrying an older woman with teenage children. Russian men are not particularly appealing to Natasha either. Many drink too much and are inclined to abuse their wives. Natasha divorced her first husband because he was an alcoholic. Thus, Natasha decided to try her luck with a matchmaking agency. A friend told Natasha that a nice American man named Robert, twenty years her senior, was looking for a Russian wife and wanted to correspond with her. Robert sent a letter and photos, and they began corresponding. Natasha simply wanted a loving and supportive relationship. They corresponded for a year before Robert flew to Russia to visit Natasha. In his letters, Robert assured Natasha that he did not drink habitually, and only occasionally had a beer with his buddies. While in Russia, Robert drank an occasional glass of vodka to help him sleep. Robert liked Natasha’s children, and always remembered to send the children birthday cards, presents, and photos. Robert told Natasha and her children that they would be a family. Natasha and Robert married in Russia. A year passed before Natasha joined her new husband in America, and she arrived alone. Robert said he could not afford to bring the children and did not file immigration petitions for them.

Natasha arrived to a shocking (more…)