This is an introductory article to the issue of the Journal, which was compiled basing on the results of the regular Scientific and Practical Conference devoted to the ethnic and migration processes in Siberia. Siberian Federal University has been holding this Conference for over ten years. The issue is devoted to the topic of migrant localities, networks and informal practices in Siberian cities, the role of the migration groups in the design of social reality. The format of the thematic issue of the Journal contributes to the co-existence and conflict interaction of different and even alternative points of view, methodological approaches, provides an opportunity for internal implicit and even explicit discussions. Therefore, the authors bear the responsibility for their own articles, and the editors are only responsible for the quality and the organization of an opportunity to compare them.