Still Looking for that Elsewhere: Puerto Rican Poverty and Migration in the Northeast.

ABSTRACTThis paper examines Puerto Rican migration and poverty in the Northeast region of the United States. According to the 2000 Census the Puerto Rican mainland population experienced significant demographic changes. One major change was the increase of Puerto Rican communities in mid-sized cities of the Northeast. In terms of economic status, Puerto Ricans in the Northeast have higher levels of unemployment, female headed households, and poverty compared to their counterparts in the South and West. Despite the lack of economic progress, Puerto Ricans continue to migrate to cities in this region. Using 2000 Census data I conduct comparative analysis among Puerto Ricans in three metropolitan areas of the Northeast: Allentown PA, Springfield MA, and New Haven CT. Initial findings indicate that in terms of employment, wage level, and poverty status, Puerto Ricans residing in these cities are still worst off than their counterparts in other regions. One explanation for their decline in socioeconomic status is the migration of Puerto Ricans with low levels of human capital (educational attainment and English proficiency) to these communities. Further analysis indicates that Puerto Ricans may be motivated to move to these cities due to the possibility of finding employment in blue collar and service industries, and the availability of affordable housing. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]