The article examines the historical aspects of the susceptibility of a number of peoples to special settlement as a result of the political repression of the Stalinist regime in the middle of the twentieth century. The emphasis is on the large-scale and tragic impact of the phenomenon of deportation on the fate of ethnic groups in different regions of the USSR. The importance of the research subject is determined by its historical value and the need to reflect on the lessons learned from the past. The causes and consequences of forced resettlement are interrelated phenomena. Mass deportations in the Soviet Union, including in the southern region of Kazakhstan, are explained by the fact that the Stalinist regime perceives the border ethnic groups as a potential threat. In this regard, in order to prevent national separatism and limit the influence of ethnic groups, a policy of forced resettlement was implemented. This policy was considered as part of the strategy of ensuring the territorial integrity of the USSR and protection from external threats. The next section of this study examines the socio-economic situation of modern generations of ethnic groups who were victims of deportation in the South Kazakhstan region (SKR) and their contribution to the development of the region. The level of integration of these groups into the local economy, their entrepreneurial activity, educational performance and participation in the socio-cultural life of the region is analyzed.