Deportation of Tajik Workers from Russia (Taken Question)

QUESTION: What is your reaction to ethnic Tajik migrant workers in Russia who say they have been unjustly targeted for arrest and deportation?

ANSWER: We understand the need for any country to control its borders and document those from other countries visiting, transiting, residing, and working there. The challenge is to apply the law in an evenhanded way, and to avoid targeting individuals on the basis of ethnicity or nationality. We refer you to both the Russian Federation and Tajikistan for comments on the nature of the current dispute and prospects for its resolution.