The poverty line is defined as?

The poverty line separates the northern states (formerly the Union) from the southern states (formerly the Confederacy). Individuals below the poverty line are likely to support the right to own slaves. In the past, many of the slaves attempted to become upwardly mobile by going above the poverty line. However, they were frequently captured and returned to their owners. The risk of being captured is a significant barrier to upward mobility for minorities living below the poverty line.