“Chained migration” – what a horrible term. For me, it evoked people in chains, heads down, bodies beaten, heading nowhere. This term is meant to cast the current immigration debate in a most threatening light. However, aren’t we all here because of “chain migration”? My grandfather came to America, followed by his siblings. President Donald Trump’s grandparents also came to America, along with other family members. There wasn’t much future in Ireland, Scotland and Germany at the time.
So, really, we’re all part of years of migration, creating a beautiful and strong chain made up of enduring links of many talents that have made our country vibrant.
Do not let the purveyors of doom scare you. Family reunification makes such sense. Established families helping newcomers are really the glue that builds community, and strong communities are the building blocks of a confident nation.
KATHLEEN ROONEY
Concord