Puerto Ricans in the USA: A comparative approach

Abstract

This article discusses Puerto Rican migration within the broader context of Caribbean migration to the USA. The first part discusses the theoretical framework. The labour market incorporation of migrants is conceptualised as a result of the sociopolitical modes of incorporation which among other dimensions include the US foreign policy/geo-politics in the region; public opinion/perception of the migrants within the host society; the presence or absence of a migrant community as well as the class/racial composition of the migrants and the the sending country's core-periphery relationships. The historical origins of Caribbean migration to the USA are examined next, whereupon the article moves on to discuss the class origin of the post-1960s Caribbean migrants. Modes of incorporation to the host society are then explored, as is the foundational myth that forms part of US narratives about the nation and the way this affected the mode of incorporation for Puerto Ricans. Finally, the article discusses the challenges which the identification strategies adopted by Puerto Ricans pose to traditional conceptualisations of identity. In sum, this article portrays the multiple complex dimensions that determine the Puerto Rican migrants' particular mode of incorporation in the host society.

Investigating intra-ethnic divisions among Latino immigrants in Miami, Florida

“…If the literature disaggregates the Latino pan-ethnic group, it often focuses on descriptive socioeconomic differences (Guarnaccia et al 2007). (Telles and Ortiz 2009;Portes and Rumbaut 2001;Aranda 2007;Grosfoguel 1999), contrasting them with the rapid upward economic integration of Colombians and Cubans (Aguilar 2009;Perez 1986;Grenier et al 2002). Existing research has also demonstrated that specific national groups, such as Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, are racialized more often than other Latino national groups (Alba et al 2014), which affects their identity formation and integration.…”

Struggles of Incorporation among The Puerto Rican Middle Class

“…Unlike other immigrants, Puerto Ricans’ legal status allows them to move back and forth to and from the Island freely. This makes their political mode of incorporation distinct from that of other groups (Grosfoguel 1999). In spite of the fact that they do not cross international borders when they travel to the United States, Puerto Rico’s lack of sovereignty in combination with their collective sense of cultural nationhood (Duany 2002) means that they do cross geopolitical, social, racial, and cultural borders.…”

Class Backgrounds, Modes of Incorporation, and Puerto Ricans' Pathways Into the Transnational Professional Workforce

“…Bryan worked for a U.S. company in sales, Robin was a successful attorney, and Franco had recently opened his own veterinary clinic. In all, Puerto Ricans' political mode of incorporation (Grosfoguel, 1999) facilitated social mobility among many participants in both mainland and Island samples. Those who did pursue their undergraduate degrees in Puerto Rico also were able to capitalize on Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States through professional labor recruiting practices.…”

“…Unlike other immigrants to the United States, Puerto Ricans' legal status allows them to freely move back and forth. This makes their political mode of incorporation distinct from that of other groups (Grosfoguel, 1999). aspects of their parents' home society culture with elements of the host society culture into bicultural, hybrid identities.…”