What is a Refugee
Stepping Stones
Gittel’s Journey
Immigration
Definition: Immigration is the process of moving to a new country or region with the intention of staying and living there. People may choose to immigrate for a variety of reasons, such as employment opportunities, to escape a violent conflict, environmental factors, educational purposes, or to reunite with family.
So if they leave for similar reasons as a refugee what makes an immigrant different than a refugee?
The main difference is that a refugee is forced to flee their home country, while an immigrant chooses to leave.
Immigration
Refugees�Are forced to flee their home country due to war, violence, persecution, or other circumstances that make it unsafe to return. They are unable or unwilling to return home until conditions in their home country are safe. Refugees are defined and protected under international law.
Immigrants�Choose to leave their home country and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there. They apply for an immigrant visa category, such as family or employer sponsored, that allows them to live and work in the new country.
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
All the Way to America
All the Way to America
Push Factor (did anything make them want to leave) | Pull Factor (What did they like about America) |
| |
Push & Pull Factors CFA
Discrimination
Safety and security
Unfair treatment
Access to healthcare
Better land
Violence or War
Version #1
Push
Pull
Directions: Write the phrases in the middle in the correct box for push and pull factors.
Name ______________________
Push & Pull Factors CFA
Discrimination
Safety and security
Unfair treatment
Access to healthcare
Better land
Violence or War
Version #1
Push
Pull
Directions: Write the phrases in the middle in the correct box for push and pull factors.
ANSWER KEY
Discrimination
Unfair treatment
Violence or War
Safety and security
Access to healthcare
Better land
Push & Pull Factors CFA
Reunite with family
Abuse of people’s rights
More or better jobs
Hope for better life
Natural disasters
Lack of basic needs like food and water
Version #2
Push
Pull
Directions: Write the phrases in the middle in the correct box for push and pull factors.
Name ______________________
Push & Pull Factors CFA
Reunite with family
Abuses of people’s rights
More or better jobs
Hope for better life
Natural disasters
Lack of basic needs like food and water
Version #2
Push
Pull
Directions: Write the phrases in the middle in the correct box for push and pull factors.
ANSWER KEY
Human rights abuses
Natural disasters
Lack of basic needs like food and water
Reunite with family
More or better jobs
Hope for better life
Proficiency Scale
Iowa Core Standard #SS.3.28 | I can describe why people chose to live in Iowa. |
Advanced | |
I can describe why a specific group of people moved to a location in Iowa using two or more push or pull factors and related vocabulary. | |
| |
Proficient | I can describe why people chose to live in Iowa. |
- I can connect two push factors to a group of people who moved to Iowa. | |
- I can connect two pull factors to a group of people who moved to Iowa. | |
Emerging | -I can sort push and pull factors |
-I can identify different groups that have moved to Iowa. | |
-I can identify different reasons why groups of people would move to Iowa. | |
Novice | I can identify terms like push factor, pull factor, immigrant, immigration, migration, refugee, migrant |
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Click here for worksheet
Word | Definition |
Immigrant | A person who comes to a new country to permanently live there. |
Immigration | The international movement from one country to another country. People who move to a new country are called immigrants. |
Migration | Movement of people or animals from one part of the country to another part of the same country. Migration can be individuals, families or in large groups. |
Migrant | Someone who moves from one place to another within a country for work. It could be that the work is seasonal so the worker is not needed for the entire year. |
Pull Factor | A reason why someone would want to leave their home. Examples include: safety, more jobs, lots of food, good land, hope for a better life. |
Push Factor | A reason why someone would want to go to a new place. Examples include: a lack of jobs or access to education, natural disaster, war, not enough food. |
Refugee | A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape problems like war, persecution or natural disaster. |
Part 1 Lesson 1
Compelling Question:
Why would people choose to move to a new place?
What does compel mean?
Part 1 Lesson 1
Supporting Question:
Why do people move or choose to immigrate?
Background
In 1885, more than 200 crates were shipped to New York and arrived in June. Over the next four months, workers reassembled the statue on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor and mounted it on a pedestal. Its height reached 305 feet, including the pedestal. This is a print of the “The Great Bartholdi Statue, Liberty Enlightening the World: The Gift of France to the American People” that was created in 1885, shortly after the statue was completed.
Mexican
Jewish
Dutch
German
Irish
Norwegian
& Swede
Italian
Czech & Bohemian
Mexican
Jewish
Dutch
German
Irish
Norwegian
& Swede
Italian
Czech & Bohemian
Scenario-Based Question for 3rd Grade Students
Scenario: The Iowa Immigration Story
Imagine you are a historian working on a project about the different groups of immigrants who have moved to Iowa over the years. You have been asked to create a colorful poster that tells the story of why these groups decided to settle in Iowa.
Defined Problem
You notice that your classmates are confused about the reasons behind these migrations. Some think it was only for jobs, while others believe it was just for a better place to live. You want to help them understand that there are many reasons why different groups of immigrants came to Iowa.
Instructions
In your response, please include:
Your poster will help your classmates learn more about Iowa's rich history of immigration and the diverse reasons behind it!
Immigration Gamification- Stand Up, Sit Down
Stand Up If Game Questions
Immigration Gamification
Immigrant Choices Game for 3rd Grade
Would You Rather Questions
Scenario Questions
Thought Provoking Future Scenarios
Teacher Model: English Immigrants to Iowa
In the 1800s, many people from England moved to Iowa to find a better life. They left England for several reasons, known as push factors. One reason was that there wasn't enough good land for farming, making it hard for families to own and work on their own farms. Another reason was that jobs in England didn't pay well, so people struggled to support their families. Additionally, some people faced strict rules about religion and wanted the freedom to practice their beliefs. teachingiowahistory.org
Iowa offered many attractions, called pull factors, that drew English immigrants. The state had plenty of fertile land available for farming, allowing families to own large farms and grow crops like corn and wheat. Iowa's growing towns and cities provided job opportunities in factories, shops, and on the railroads. Moreover, Iowa allowed people to practice their religion freely, which was important to many immigrants seeking religious freedom. iowapbs.org
When English immigrants arrived in Iowa, they worked hard to build new lives. Many became farmers, cultivating the rich soil to grow various crops. Others found employment in factories, contributing to the state's developing industries. They also established schools and churches, creating close-knit communities that reflected their traditions and values. iowapbs.org
Over time, English immigrants significantly influenced Iowa's development. Their farming practices helped Iowa become a leading agricultural state. The communities they built contributed to the growth of towns and cities across the state. Their cultural traditions, such as festivals and religious practices, became part of Iowa's diverse heritage. teachingiowahistory.org
In summary, English immigrants left their homeland due to limited farming land, low-paying jobs, and a desire for religious freedom. They were attracted to Iowa's fertile land, job opportunities, and the promise of religious liberty. Through their hard work and dedication, they played a crucial role in shaping Iowa into the state it is today.
German Immigrants to Iowa
Many Germans moved to Iowa in the 1800s because life in Germany was very hard. Some settled in places like Amana, Iowa. They faced political problems and could not practice their religion freely. Some also struggled to find good jobs or enough land to farm. These problems made people want to leave Germany. Historians call these "push factors" because they pushed people out of their home country. Iowa PBS, Iowa PBS
Iowa had many things that made it a good place for Germans to move. There was a lot of rich farmland where they could start new farms and grow crops. The state also had new towns and growing communities where people could work and live. Letters from family and friends who had already moved to Iowa helped others decide to come. These are called "pull factors" because they pulled people toward a better life.
When Germans came to Iowa, they created strong communities. They built churches, schools, and towns where they could speak their language and keep their traditions. Iowa became home to many German immigrants, and their hard work helped shape the state into what it is today.
Irish Immigrants to Iowa
The Irish moved to Iowa in the 1800s because life in Ireland was very hard. Some settled in Polk County, near Des Moines. A big problem was the Great Potato Famine in the 1840s, which caused food shortages and hunger. Many Irish families couldn’t find enough to eat or earn money, so they decided to leave. These hardships were “push factors” because they pushed people to leave their homes. Iowa PBS
Iowa was a good place for the Irish to move because there were many jobs and opportunities. Some Irish people worked on railroads, canals, or in coal mines. Iowa also had farmland where families could start over and build a better life. These opportunities pulled the Irish to Iowa, offering them hope and a fresh start.
When the Irish arrived in Iowa, they built strong communities. They kept their traditions, like celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and many became part of the Catholic Church. Even though life wasn’t always easy, the Irish worked hard and helped make Iowa grow into a stronger state.
Norwegian and Swede Immigrants to Iowa
Norwegians and Swedes moved to Iowa in the 1800s because life in their home countries was tough. Many were farmers, but land in Norway and Sweden was hard to get and often too small to support a family. Some also left because they didn’t feel free to practice their religion the way they wanted. These problems were “push factors” that made them leave their homes. Many chose to settle in northeast Iowa in cities like Decorah.
Iowa was a good place for Norwegians and Swedes because there was plenty of farmland. The land was cheap, and they could buy enough to start their own farms. Iowa also had a growing Scandinavian community, so people felt they would belong. Letters from friends and family already living in Iowa encouraged more to come. These were “pull factors” that drew them to Iowa. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
When Norwegians and Swedes came to Iowa, they built close communities where they could speak their language and keep their traditions. They started churches and schools and worked hard to make their farms successful. Their hard work helped make Iowa a great farming state, and their traditions are still celebrated in many places today.
Italian Immigrants to Iowa
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Italian people left Italy to find better lives in places like Iowa. A big push factor was poverty in Italy. Many Italians had small farms that didn’t make enough food or money. Life was hard, and some people didn’t have jobs. Another push factor was political problems, like unfair treatment by the government. These troubles made many Italians decide to leave their country. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
Italian immigrants came to Iowa because it offered new opportunities. There were plenty of jobs in coal mines, railroads, and factories. Land in Iowa was also affordable, so some Italian families could farm again, but with better chances of success. Iowa had growing towns and communities that welcomed workers, making it a good place for immigrants to start over.
Once in Iowa, Italian immigrants built strong communities in places like Des Moines. They brought their traditions, like food and festivals, and worked hard to give their families a better future. The push factors of poverty and struggles in Italy, combined with the pull factors of jobs and land in Iowa, helped many Italian families create new lives in America.
Czech & Bohemian Immigrants to Iowa
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Czech and Bohemian immigrants came to Iowa due to a mix of "push" and "pull" factors. In their home regions, they faced poverty, limited land ownership, and they were forced to serve in the military. These challenges made life difficult and encouraged many to seek opportunities elsewhere. Some were also inspired by stories from earlier immigrants who described a better life in America. Steve Szabados Genealogy, University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa attracted these immigrants because of its affordable farmland and the promise of jobs in growing industries. Towns like Cedar Rapids and Spillville became popular destinations, as they offered a sense of community with other Czech settlers. Many found work in factories, meatpacking plants, or on farms, where they could gradually save money to buy their own land. The presence of relatives or friends who had already settled in Iowa further encouraged family members to come. Steve Szabados Genealogy, Iowa PBS
Once settled, Czech and Bohemian immigrants helped enrich Iowa’s cultural landscape. They brought traditions, music, and cuisine, leaving a lasting impact, particularly in areas like Cedar Rapids, which remains a center for Czech heritage in the state. Institutions such as the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library preserve this legacy, highlighting the significant role these immigrants played in shaping Iowa’s history.
University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa PBS
Jewish Immigrants to Iowa
Jewish immigrants moved to Iowa for many reasons. Jewish people left Europe due to hardships such as discrimination, difficulties in making a living, and violence against Jewish people in Eastern Europe. During the 1800s, Jewish people faced laws that told them where they could live and work. Later, in the 1930s and 1940s, many fled Nazi Germany to escape persecution and the Holocaust. Paperdue, State Historical Society of Iowa
Jewish people came to Iowa because of its promise of economic opportunities and freedom to practice religion without fear. Jewish settlers in Iowa found opportunities to open businesses, work as farmers, and build communities. Iowa's open prairies and growing cities like Dubuque offered a fresh start and better living conditions compared to crowded cities or dangerous places in Europe. Jewish immigrants also settled in towns along the Mississippi River like Burlington and Davenport.State Historical Society of Iowa
Over time, Iowa became home to different kinds of Jewish communities, including German Jews in the mid-1800s and Eastern European Jews in the late early 1900s. These groups helped in the state’s cultural and economic growth by building synagogues (places to worship), schools, and social organizations, which continue to shape Jewish life in Iowa today. prezi.com, State Historical Society of Iowa
Mexican Immigrants to Iowa
Many Mexican people moved to Iowa because they wanted better opportunities and a safer place to live. In the early 1900s, Mexico was going through the Mexican Revolution, a time of war and violence that made life difficult for many families. At the same time, there weren’t enough jobs in Mexico, and people struggled to earn money. These reasons made people want to leave Mexico and look for new places to live and work.
Iowa became a popular destination because it offered jobs and a welcoming environment. During World War I, Iowa needed workers for its farms, railroads, and factories, especially since many American men were away fighting in the war. Companies actively recruited Mexican workers, offering jobs in sugar beet fields, cement plants, and railroads. These jobs, though hard, gave families a chance to make a better life.
Mexican immigrants in Iowa built strong communities. They settled in places like Fort Madison, Iowa because it was a hub for the railroad. They kept their traditions, like cooking Mexican food and celebrating special holidays. They also helped each other during hard times, like the Great Depression. These communities became an important part of Iowa's history and culture.
Migration is Beautiful Project, State Historical Society of Iowa
Dutch Immigrants to Iowa
The Dutch are people from the Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe. In the 1800s, many Dutch people left their homes to move to Iowa. One big reason was that they wanted to practice their religion freely. In the Netherlands, the government controlled the church, and some people didn't agree with that. They wanted to worship in their own way without interference. Iowa PBS
Another reason was that life in the Netherlands was hard. There weren't enough jobs, and many people were poor. They heard that in Iowa, there was plenty of good land for farming and a chance to have a better life. This made them want to move to Iowa to start fresh. Teaching Iowa History
When they arrived in Iowa, the Dutch settlers built new communities in towns like Pella and Orange City. They worked together to build homes, schools, and churches. They were happy to have the freedom to live and worship as they chose, and they helped make Iowa a great place to live. Iowa PBS
1. Germans
Many Germans moved to Iowa in the 19th century, seeking freedom from political and religious persecution. They left behind oppressive governments and economic struggles. Iowa's rich farmland, abundant land opportunities, and growing communities pulled them to settle here. German immigrants were the largest immigrant group in Iowa, forming vibrant cultural communities
2. Irish
The Irish fled to Iowa primarily to escape the Great Famine of the 1840s and the resulting poverty in Ireland. Harsh conditions and limited opportunities at home pushed them to emigrate. Many Irish worked on canals and railroads, drawn by the availability of jobs and the promise of better living conditions in Iowa. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
3. Norwegians and Swedes
Norwegian and Swedish families came to Iowa seeking farmland and a chance to own property, as land ownership in Scandinavia was often reserved for the wealthy. They left behind economic hardships and limited opportunities in their home countries. Iowa's fertile soil and advertisements promoting the state's potential attracted these immigrants, who formed close-knit farming communities. Iowa PBS, Iowa PBS
4. Italians
Italian immigrants arrived in Iowa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were pushed by poverty and a lack of resources in Italy. Iowa's coal mining and railroad jobs provided work opportunities, especially for single Italian men. Italian communities grew in cities like Des Moines, where cultural traditions thrived. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
5. Czech and Bohemian Immigrants
Czech and Bohemian immigrants left Europe to escape mandatory military service and political oppression. Many settled in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas, where they found jobs in farming, railroads, and skilled trades. Iowa's welcoming attitude toward immigrants and strong ethnic communities pulled them to settle here. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
6. Jewish Immigrants
Jewish families migrated to Iowa from Eastern Europe, fleeing persecution and pogroms under Russian rule. Push factors included violence and anti-Semitic laws, while pull factors were opportunities to start businesses and integrate into local communities. In Iowa, they opened small businesses and established cultural centers. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
7. Mexican Immigrants
Mexican workers moved to Iowa in the early 20th century, driven by economic challenges and political instability at home. They were drawn by agricultural jobs and opportunities in Iowa's meatpacking plants. Many became part of the state's largest immigrant group in modern times, contributing significantly to its economy and culture. Iowa PBS, Teaching Iowa History
These stories highlight Iowa’s rich immigrant history and the interplay of global challenges and local opportunities that shaped the state.
Assessment: Scottish Immigrants to Iowa
A long time ago, many Scottish families packed their bags and left their homes to find a better life in Iowa. Life in Scotland was hard for many people. There weren’t enough jobs, and families struggled to earn enough money to buy food and clothing. Some Scots also faced trouble because of political conflicts, which made it unsafe for them to stay. Others found it difficult to own land because it was expensive and controlled by wealthy landlords. These problems, called push factors, made people want to leave Scotland and start fresh somewhere new.
When Scottish families heard about Iowa, they were excited about the opportunities waiting for them. Iowa had plenty of rich farmland where families could grow crops and raise animals. Unlike Scotland, land in Iowa was affordable, and many Scottish immigrants dreamed of owning their own farms. There were also growing towns in Iowa where people could find jobs in factories, railroads, and shops. Even better, other Scots had already moved to Iowa, building strong communities where new immigrants could feel at home. These good things, called pull factors, made Iowa a great place to settle.
The journey to Iowa was long and difficult. Families traveled by boat across the ocean and then by train and wagon to reach their new homes. When they arrived, they worked hard to clear the land, build houses, and plant crops. Scottish immigrants brought their skills in farming, metalwork, and weaving, which helped Iowa’s economy grow. They also built churches and schools, making sure their children got an education and their traditions stayed alive.
Over time, Scottish immigrants became an important part of Iowa’s history. They helped build strong farming communities and brought new ideas to the state. Their music, dance, and festivals became part of local culture. Today, many people in Iowa have Scottish ancestors, and their traditions are still celebrated in places like Tama and Boone County.
The Scots who moved to Iowa took a big risk, leaving their homeland behind. But they came because they wanted a better life, with more opportunities for their families. The rich farmland, good jobs, and welcoming communities made Iowa a great place to start again. Their hard work and determination helped shape Iowa into the state it is today.
Scottish Immigrants to Iowa
Push Factors:
Pull Factors:
These factors contributed to the migration of Scots to Iowa, where they integrated into the local culture and made significant contributions to the state's development.
Name of Group:
Where Group Settled in Iowa:
Name:_______________________
Reasons they came to Iowa: _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reasons they left their home: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Immigration to Iowa Summative
Iowa Core Standard #SS.3.28 | I can describe why people chose to live in Iowa. |
Advanced | I can describe why a specific group of people moved to a location in Iowa using two or more push and pull factors and related vocabulary. |
Proficient | I can describe why people chose to live in Iowa. |
- I can connect two push factors to a group of people who moved to Iowa. | |
- I can connect two pull factors to a group of people who moved to Iowa. | |
Emerging | -I can sort push and pull factors |
-I can identify different a group that has moved to Iowa. | |
-I can identify different reasons why a group of people would move to Iowa. | |
Novice | I can identify terms like push factor, pull factor, immigrant, immigration, migration, refugee, migrant |