The article attempts to generalize the theoretical foundations of research on migration processes in the explorations of Soviet researchers in the second half of the twentieth century. It is determined that the concept of «human migration» has many definitions. It was found out that the reason for the diversity of interpretations of this term is the scientific specialization of a particular researcher, as the study of population migration was carried out by specialists in various sciences. It is established that the work in this area was conducted by researchers in such sciences as geography, economics, sociology and demography. It was found out that the explorations of this period are divided into three periods. The first period is the recovery period, when the ban on research was lifted after Stalin's time and is characterized by the beginning of the formation of the theoretical basis with the experience gained in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The third period is the time of formation of a separate science of «migration studies» and generalization of all acquired practical experience. It is pointed out that the period of resumption of research in the field of migration falls on the end of the 1950’s. It is determined why Siberia became the basis for practical intelligence in the field of migration. A number of scientists who were engaged in the formation of theoretical and later practical research base are mentioned. The sphere of their interests in this field is described. The contribution made by scientists to the formation of a single theoretical apparatus, which was then transformed into a separate science, it was determined. It was found out that scientists rely in their research only on the Soviet experience and the formation of the theoretical basis of research takes place in isolation from international experience in this field. Mathematical attempts to describe migration processes on the basis of statistical data are also noted. The purpose of research on this problem has been determined, as the study of migration has allowed to develop more effectively the state policy of population migration, as well as to improve industrial and urban policy

migration studies, the USSR, Donbas, special settlements, organized recruitment, resettlement, population mobility, demography