Puerto Ricans in the United States: A Contemporary Portrait

Though their presence in the United States is long standing, knowledge about Puerto Ricans their culture, history, socioeconomic status, and contributions has been decidedly inadequate. Edna Acosta-Belén and Carlos Santiago change this status quo, presenting a nuanced portrait of both the community today and the trajectory of its development.

The authors move deftly from Puerto Rico s colonial experience, through a series of waves of migration, to the emergence of the commuter patterns seen today. Not least, they draw on extensive data to dispel widespread myths and stereotypes. Their work is a long overdue corrective to conventional wisdom about the role of the Puerto Rican community within US society.