Migration occurs in every society. This movement of people happens for many reasons. The map below illustrates the flow of migration in the United States over time.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device.Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Comings and Goings: Migration Flows in the United States

This lesson will examine reasons for migration. You will learn about three different examples of migration. There are several causes of migration. and these can often be categorized into either push or pull factors. Push factors are the things which make people want to leave a place. Pull factors are the things that attract people to move to another location.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Click on the Push and Pull symbols to learn more.

After determining whether push or pull factors are causes of migration, you will also have to categorize the factors as cultural, political, or economic.

Cultural

Migration that impacts the beliefs and attitudes that shape and influence perception and behavior of a particular group or area.

Political

Migration that has political implications, such as: change in leadership, governmental policy changes, migrants seeking asylum.

Economic

Migration related to changes in the economy. Migrants may be seeking better job opportunity or leaving an economically depressive location.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required.