This dissertation investigates migration selectivity by socioeconomic status and its implications for community development and cumulative disadvantage for economically marginal places. In this thesis, I examine incidence of "poverty migration" (Fitchen 1995) of poor families into areas experiencing economic hardship and decline, documenting the effect on the economic status and social service capacity of receiving communities. Taking Upstate New York as the focus of my inquiry, I conduct a multi-method, multi-level research project to: (1) identify economically marginal places which appear to have experienced or are in the process of experiencing patterns of in-migration of poor families; (2) identify the characteristics of places which appear more at risk of experiencing such in-migration, and; (3) determine the effects of in-migration of poor families on community social service carrying capacity, and impacts on social structure of receiving communities.

Many low-income families struggle with stable housing and frequently have to move due to foreclosures, rent increases, or other financial setbacks. Children in these families can experience lasting negative effects, especially those who are young and still developing basic learning and social skills. A joint NRC-IOM committee held a workshop in June 2009 to examine these issues, highlight patterns in current research, and discuss how to develop a support system for at-risk children.