Chaldean Christian Refugees & the Myth of Return: A Narrative Study

This study analyzed the narratives of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit Metropolitan area, in an attempt to better understand the various changes experienced by the refugees while still living in Iraq, and after their relocation. In addition, this research considered whether the concept of “The Myth of Return” was present or absent among the sample of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit area. The Myth of Return posits that immigrants will almost always hold on to the idea of one day returning to the homeland, even when all practical reality suggests the possibility of returning is not likely. The literature suggests for immigrants to reject the Myth of Return is essentially the equivalent of rejecting the homeland as well as the immigrant community in the host country. However, the literature also suggests the presence or absence of the myth is also influenced by the nature of the immigrant’s relationship to the homeland as well as to the relationship with the host country. If the immigrant was a part of the dominant group in the homeland, then the immigrant is more likely to hold on to the myth. However, if the immigrant was a part of a minority group in the homeland, then the immigrant is less likely to hold on to the myth. Considering the Chaldean minority status in Iraq, it would not seem likely that Chaldean refugees would entertain the idea of returning; however, given their strong ties to Iraq, the possibility of such a return is perhaps not out of the question.