Over the past three decades, social mobility in the United States has significantly declined, with the likelihood of someone born into the bottom income tier ascending to the top tier reduced by over half. This stark shift raises questions about the underlying causes of diminishing opportunities in a country once celebrated for its potential to transform lives through hard work and ambition.

Historically, the U.S. was recognized as a nation where anyone could rise from "rags to riches," but recent statistics reveal a troubling reality. For individuals born into low-income families, the chance of achieving upward mobility without a college degree is merely 5 percent, indicating that access to education and other resources may play a crucial role in shaping one's economic future.