In the Soviet era, everyone wanted to go to Moscow because people in Moscow "had everything"! Meanwhile, limits were imposed on out-of-towners arriving in Moscow. They were hired for jobs that Muscovites considered unworthy; they spent years in dilapidated dormitories waiting for a residence permit. While the dream of enjoying equal opportunities with Muscovites wasn't out of reach, it was a lengthy and exhausting process to get there, especially in the face of growing resentment from the locals.
