What Exactly is "Chain Migration?"

As we have been studying there has been much buzz around the term "chain migration" as Trump wants to end it and have stronger immigration control. Many people really don't know exactly what chain migration is, " The misconception is that any immigrant can bring as many family members as they would like when they come to the United States. In actuality, the process is much lengthier, in some cases taking up to 23 years, and is limited to certain family members." The article goes into detail to discuss the breakdown of chain migration, #1 is the benefactors. "United States citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) have the ability to sponsor a family member to come to the United States." There is an application process, and not just any immigrant is able to sponsor a family member to be able to come, it isn't a free for all which is what some people think. #2 the number of visas that are granted each year, currently every year there is a total of 700,000 visas given out. The number of visas given out isn't that large compared to what people think the number is. #3 is how long it takes, the process can be as short to 2 years to as long as 23 years. #4 is chain migration vs family reunification "The term ‘chain migration’ has become an area of contention among Republicans, Democrats and immigration advocates." The term chain migration has recently become used more since Trump has taken office, it is more commonly known as family reunification but since Trump has taken office chain migration is the term being used. #5 chain migration and DACA there is no relation between the two, "DACA is a program designed to protect the recipients from being deported. In order to petition for a family member to come to the United States, a person has to be a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. DACA does not grant someone this status, therefore, they do not have the ability to petition for one of their family members to come to the United States." This article gave a quick breakdown of what exactly chain migration is which is important with all the recent talk of chain migration.


http://kunr.org/post/what-exactly-chain-migration-0#stream/0