STILL LOOKING FOR THAT ELSEWHERE: PUERTO RICAN POVERTY AND MIGRATION IN THE NORTHEAST.

This paper examines U.S. mainland Puerto Rican migration and poverty in the Northeast. According to the 2000 Census, the Puerto Rican mainland population has experienced significant demographic changes from 1990 to 2000. One major change was the increase of Puerto Rican populations in midsized cities of the Northeast. This trend continues despite the decline in socioeconomic status of Puerto Ricans in these cities. Using 2000 Census data, I conduct a comparative analysis among Puerto Ricans in three cities of the Northeast, Allentown PA, Springfield MA, and New Haven CT, in order to determine what factors have influenced this migratory pattern. Findings indicate that Puerto Ricans are migrating to these cities in order to find employment and affordable housing. The research also shows that many Puerto Ricans lack the education and English-language proficiency needed to attain higher paying jobs, and are thus limited in their employment and housing opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]