The Puerto Rican Diaspora
The sheer scale of the Puerto Rican diaspora is a significant demographic phenomenon. More Puerto Ricans reside in the United States mainland than on the island itself. This section provides an informational overview of:
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Historical Context: The historical events and policies that have shaped migration patterns.
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Demographic Data: Statistical insights into the size and distribution of the diaspora.
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Socioeconomic Impacts: The diaspora's effects on Puerto Rico and the United States mainland.
Historical Context:
Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. The island subsequently faced economic hardships, particularly after American sugar companies took control of local agriculture, leading to increased poverty.
Migration Details:
In the two decades following World War II, hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans migrated, with approximately 85% settling in New York City. The population of Puerto Ricans in New York surged from 70,000 in the 1940s to nearly 900,000 by the mid-1960s.
Operation Bootstrap:
"Operation Bootstrap," a U.S.-backed initiative, aimed to transition Puerto Rico's economy from agrarian to industrial. While it initially improved living standards, it also resulted in job shortages, prompting migration as a solution.
Image of the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Commission in 1895
Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee (standing L-R) Manuel Besosa, Aurelio Méndez Martínez, and Sotero Figueroa (seated L-R) Juan de M. Terreforte, D. Jose Julio Henna and Roberto H. Todd
Professor César J. Ayala's analysis illuminates the significant migration trends affecting Puerto Rico, revealing a dramatic demographic shift.
Population Distribution:
As of 2018, a striking 64% of Puerto Ricans lived in the U.S. states and D.C., while only 36% remained on the island. Puerto Rico's population has seen a notable decline, dropping from 3,810,605 in 2000 to 3,193,354 in 2018. This represents a 16% reduction, signifying that roughly one in six inhabitants has left the island.
Historical Context & Economic Drivers:
The year 2006 marked a pivotal moment, as the Puerto Rican population in the continental U.S. surpassed the island's. This coincided with the expiration of Section 936 tax exemptions, which had previously supported manufacturing jobs in Puerto Rico. The loss of these incentives led to a significant drop in manufacturing employment, further fueling migration.
Demographic Implications:
The fact that the majority of Puerto Ricans now live outside the island raises important questions about the future of Puerto Rico. The growing Hispanic population in the U.S. holds potential political power, which could redefine the political landscape, particularly concerning Puerto Rico's status. The socio-economic challenges faced by the island are prompting critical questions about political and cultural identity.
Image of Puerto Rican Population by State by Professor César J. Ayala, Sociology, UCLA.
Raphael Merritt, a Puerto Rico Research Hub Intern, expands on the complexities impacting the Island, specifically through the lens of The Jones Act.
What is the Jones Act?
Ratified in 1920, the Jones Act mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports must be carried on American-constructed, American-owned ships that fly the U.S. flag and are crewed by American citizens or permanent residents. The law aims to protect national security and support the U.S. maritime industry, receiving strong backing from domestic shipyards and labor unions. Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Jenniffer González-Colón, is a notable supporter, having received the American Maritime Champion Award in 2022.
Union Support for the Jones Act:
Unions such as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Inland Boatmen’s Union advocate for the Jones Act, arguing it strengthens national security and protects jobs in the maritime sector. The Act has historically contributed to job losses, with the American maritime industry losing around 200,000 jobs and 60 shipyards from 1946 to 2007. It costs the federal government approximately $2.8 billion annually.
Implications for Puerto Rico:
The Jones Act requires foreign-flagged ships to dock at a mainland U.S. port before reaching Puerto Rico, leading to higher shipping costs estimated at $568.9 million and increased overall prices of about $1.1 billion. Although emergency waivers can be granted, they are temporary and do not alleviate the long-term economic burden. With 85% of its food and all fuel imported, Puerto Rico faces significant financial strain, compounded by a poverty rate of 41.7% as of 2023.
Conclusion:
While the Jones Act aims to protect national interests, its implications for Puerto Rico are largely detrimental, particularly regarding the cost of goods and disaster relief. The ongoing challenges posed by the Act highlight the need for a reevaluation of its impact on the island's economy and residents.