The photograph was taken by order of the Federal Agency for Migration to document the consequences of the economic crisis. Lange saw a family on a pea plantation in Nipomo, where people lived in terrible conditions.

The photograph instantly became a symbol of that time and caused a wave of public sympathy. After the publication in the press, aid was immediately delivered to the camp.

Today, "Migrant Mother" is not only a documentary recording of the disaster, but also a portrait of human strength, maternal love, and hope for the best. This photograph forever changed the approach to social journalism and photojournalism.