Coming to America: Push and Pull Factors of Immigrating to the U.S.

Immigrants left their homes and came to the United States for many reasons. They left because of economic, religious, and political factors.

Some came to avoid war, corrupt governments, or religious persecution. Still, others came because they couldn’t find work in their country.

Push and pull factors of immigrating to the U.S. are two reasons people want to relocate. Pull factors refer to positive aspects of the destination country that attract immigrants, while push factors refer to adverse factors in the country of origin that compel people to leave.

When talking about immigrating to the United States, some examples of pull factors include a strong economy, the promise of better job opportunities, freedom of religion and speech, and access to education and healthcare.

Some push factors that might motivate someone to leave their country of origin and immigrate to the U.S. include poverty, political persecution, war, natural disasters, lack of economic opportunities, and limited access to basic needs like food and water. 

Push Factors Vs. Pull Factors

Push factors and pull factors are intertwined. For instance, limited economic opportunity is a factor that pushes people out of place and must be limited when compared to areas or regions with more economic opportunity to pull people towards them.

Any migrant situation typically involves both push factors and pull factors. If someone wants to leave where they are to pursue better economic opportunities, the push factor is the job market where they are, and the pull factor is the one they are going to.

A push factor is the job market being dismal and unemployment high. A pull factor would be the better job market in the country they have in mind.

Assuming an individual is fleeing a conflict, the push factor would be the conflict in their place, while the pull factor is the stability in the place they are heading. Keep reading as we go through some potential push and pull factors for immigrating to the U.S.

Potential Push Factors

1. Poor Standard of Living

For whatever reason, a country’s quality of life is low, which can ultimately lead to people migrating away. Sometimes, life gets complicated because of conflict or political issues, but other times, it is merely because a country is not fully developed.

Certain areas in the world need constant and easy access to clean water. Other environments must deal with constant exposure to harsh conditions. Individuals living where it’s challenging to survive day-to-day life may want to find a new home. 

2. Lack of Opportunity

Sometimes, even though life is not unnecessarily complex in other countries, there may be more to satisfy someone’s dreams. Limited opportunities in different countries might lead to great minds traveling elsewhere.

Some people want to be challenged consistently in their lives and to do so, they must actively seek it out. 

3. Political Instability

Areas under more strict control are sometimes ruled by political parties with unsatisfactory ideologies. Those citizens who disagree with their government’s laws and opinions may want to flee to a country that better aligns with their views. 

Along with social reasons for migration, there can also be scary consequences if dangerous parties rise to power due to infighting or revolution. The fear of an authoritarian leader can motivate citizens to leave the country before it’s too late. 

4. Violence and Persecution

Political differences throughout a region can lead to extreme measures. Entire races or classes of people have been discriminated against financially, socially, and physically in some cases.

It can be scary to live in a world where you know that those in charge of your safety do not have your best interests at heart. Those who are mistreated or are purposefully harmed in some cases may want to escape the country and seek help elsewhere.

5. Conflict

The most dramatic state a country can be in is war with another country (or themselves). Large-scale battles are unpredictable and are extremely dangerous even to those bystanders who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Civilian casualties become more and more familiar with highly destructive methods of warfare. On top of the hazards of war, conflicts also often distract from other aspects of internal government.

Living conditions may get worse, and poverty rates increase. Many individuals must serve in the military instead of working towards their educational or professional goals.

War is one of the most common reasons the United States sees refugees and offers political asylum. War often leads only to temporary immigration expiring when the original country is no longer dangerous.

Potential Pull Factors

1. Education

Many of the world’s most successful and influential universities can be found in the U.S. International students will travel here to expand their knowledge and training further.

With such many educational facilities that teach almost anything you can think of, the U.S. often has more choices for residents of other countries. The U.S. also has a variety of international programs designed to cater to international students.

These programs can offer financial assistance to help make the transition easier. There are specific visas for those pursuing education in the U.S. 

2. Work Options

In addition to all the schools, many different career paths are available to U.S. citizens that aren’t options elsewhere—pursuing your passion and making money. At the same time, it is a relatively Western ideology.

The diverse cultures and lifestyles throughout the U.S. make finding almost anything you want to do easier. Due to how the U.S. economy is constructed, there are many more money-making and investment opportunities for those with available funds.

There is a lot of wealth to be made in America. Those who come seeking employment will choose from a variety of employment-based green card options.

3. Reunification

Many individuals who come to the U.S. do so to reunite their families. This could be siblings, spouses, parents, children, or relatives who moved previously.

The wait time for relatives to immigrate is often longer because they must wait until the primary visa holder earns citizenship. For instance, if an immigrant arrives in the U.S. to work a job, they must be settled and eligible before bringing a spouse or children to join them.

Sometimes these family members can earn citizenship, but their status will depend on the primary holder. If you want to reunite with your family in the U.S., you may want to hire a family sponsorship lawyer.

4. Freedom

Sometimes, it can be hard to remember the many privileges taxpayers have here in the U.S. Freedom of speech and religion are two of the biggest, but they are only sometimes choices elsewhere.

We can say what we want and believe what we wish without strict government consequences. If an immigrant is fleeing from their country because of persecution for practicing a specific religion, they may choose to come to the U.S. because of its liberties. 

5. Safety

In addition to the freedom to do certain things, the U.S. also has a certain level of protection for its citizens. Not only are you protected by law to say and believe what you choose, but there is also a dedicated justice system to ensure you are treated fairly. 

This can be a huge factor, especially for those seeking asylum from persecution in their home country. Different visas are available to victims of discrimination or those in danger of returning to their residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship?

Broadly, the requirements for citizenship are that the applicant be at least 18 years of age, pass the citizenship test, have lived in the United States lawfully for at least five years, and take an oath of allegiance to this country.

2. Are there exceptions to the ordinary requirements for citizenship?

Yes. Exceptions can be made for refugees, those seeking political asylum, the spouses of U.S. citizens, and other individuals with particular circumstances.

3. How can I obtain immigration asylum status?

An individual may be granted asylum status if they have applied for it within one year of arrival in the United States, even after the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) has initiated deportation proceedings.

4. How do push and pull factors affect migration?

They can determine migration flows, where people will leave, where they will end up, and the number of people leaving or coming to a place at a particular time.