This article explores the legal status of foreign subjects in a period of Moldavian national effervescence and to present and analyse the ethno-cultural frontiers between the two bodies (i.e. the natives and the foreign subjects). It analyses the articles of the Organic Regulations in 1831-32, which had direct implications for the issue of foreign subjects. The reading of these Constitutional Settlements offers enough arguments for applied analysis and urges reflection in trying to understand the regrettable political attitudes resorted to in that period. The article also analyses the administrative and juridical measures adopted by the Moldavian state concerning foreign subjects and the main trends and features of the specific legislation on this topic. The issue of foreign subjects cannot be separated from widely-held perceptions of strangers. The xenophobic accents in the image of the Other revealed in this legislation are related to the “besieged fortress complex.” These elements highlight the ethno-cultural frontiers between the Romanians and foreigners. In the end, the imaginary foreigner overshadowed the reality, leading to a negative stereotype. This article, therefore, attempts to reveal the difficulties involved in cohabitation with foreigners - the avatars of a relationship involving multiple aspects, from strictly jurisdictional ones to disagreements generated by different cultural perspectives.