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STARTING
OVER

The American-
ization of a
Soviet family:
The Shpigels
struggle with
and
jobs
English.

SUSAN GRANT

Staff Writer

Michael Shpigel:"When we found
out we were leaving, we were
happy."

A

djusting to a new life in America
hasn't been without its pitfalls.
But then again, Michael Shpigel,
his wife, Nellie, and their son Alex-
ander don't expect it to be easy.

Coming to America was a dream
the family shared for more than a
decade. The glimpses of American
life they had seen while reading
Russian translations of books by 0.
Henry, Mark Twain, Edgar Allen
Poe and Stephen King, were not
enough. They may have put Israel
on their visa application, but
Michael, 43, Nellie, 41 and Alex-
ander, 15, knew only America could
be home. Last August, a short
airplane ride from New York to

26

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990

Detroit ended a long fight for
freedom.
Michael admits they almost gave
up hope of leaving the Soviet Union.
Ten years ago, the family applied for
an emigration visa.
"They said it was decided that it
was best we stay in the Soviet
Union," Michael says. "No reason
was given."
Michael, an electrical engineer in
the town of Zaporojie, lost his job.
Two months later, he was fired from
a second position when the KGB
discovered he had written President
Jimmy Carter. A third job as an
electrical engineer lasted three
months. It was the last time he
worked in his chosen profession.

