Freedom of movement is the ability to move from one place to another and settle there. In the United States, for example, citizens of Alaska have the right to move to Alabama, New York, California or Hawaii if they wish to do so. In principle, no restriction is placed on their right to move, work and access public services. In the European Union, a similar level of freedom of movement is possible for EU citizens. Respectively, the same right has existed for over a century between the UK and the Republic of Ireland under the so-called common travel area.