Diaspora in the 21st Century: Puerto Ricans' Plight for Their Sense of Belonging

• In Event: 43.077 - MTCC Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 43.077-11 - Intersectional Approaches to Addressing the Needs of Latinx Students

Abstract

This paper explores the waves of Puerto Rican diaspora since 2000 culminating in the recent aftermath of the Hurricane Maria. Puerto Ricans are United States (US) citizens and can freely migrate to and from the US mainland. The author examines the profound reasons why Puerto Ricans move to the US and how the diaspora has impacted their sense of belonging, citizenship, and race identity during the process of acculturation and assimilation. Findings pointed at the bleak economic conditions on the island. Participants reported awareness they were racialized and treated as second-class citizens. In spite of discrimination, participants affirmed their decision to remain in the mainland in order to provide better economic conditions for their children.

Author

• Nilsa J. Thorsos, National University