Fan community for FX's The Americans

It must not be thought that illegals are turned out in their hundreds. Dozens of candidates are selected, but only single individuals succeed in becoming illegals. This is how it works. For example, there is a student in an institute of higher education which teaches languages. He reveals an excellent linguistic talent. He is well developed intellectually, has a strong personality, and his appearance is such that he could pass as a citizen of a certain country in Western Europe. He is morally sound. All this attracts the attention of the Third Department, and they begin to secretly check him out. Should the results of this vetting prove favourable, he will be offered work in the KGB. If he accepts, then he may be told that he is being considered as a candidate for the role of an illegal. If he accepts this as well, his special training will begin after he has finished his studies at his institute. Should the student not accept the proposition, a written undertaking of non-disclosure must be obtained from him and he is then left in peace. There are no repercussions.