POLITICAL GENEALOGY
Why Are Children and Grandchildren of Immigrants So Eager to Keep Immigrants Out?
I should have known. Of course his grandfather was an immigrant. After all, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is the sponsor of Securing America’s Future Act, a bill which would drastically cut legal immigration, do little to protect DREAMers, cost a fortune, harm the American economy, and more.
Having researched the roots of other anti-immigrant politicians, operatives, and pundits, I’ve noticed a peculiar pattern. It’s those whose families have arrived in America within the last generation or two who are often the keenest to slam the door shut on those coming today.
The most conspicuous example is the President. Trump’s mother was an immigrant, as were his paternal grandparents. His mother only became an American citizen four years before he was born, and yet, he’s opposed to others having the same opportunities. Nor is he an unusual case. Mike Pence, Ted Cruz, Paul Gosar, Steve King, Marco Rubio — the list goes on. All children and/or grandchildren of immigrants.
