chain migration

[ cheyn mahy-grey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a form of family immigration where one person is granted legal residency or citizenship to a country, and then petitions to bring their immediate or extended family into the country.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain migration¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Trump has criticized this so-called “chain migration” — immigrants applying to have their relatives follow them into the country.

From Salon

They were able to take advantage of the family reunification visa process that then-president Donald Trump had derided as "chain migration" that should be scrapped.

From BBC

Terms like “chain migration” depict immigrants as a burden.

From Los Angeles Times

Many residents are also foreign-born, which tends to lead to movement called chain migration in which relatives join already settled family members in a new country.

From National Geographic

Terms like “chain migration” depict immigrants as a burden.

From Los Angeles Times