Puerto Rican's are US Citizens
Puerto Rico has had a long history of migration to the mainland United States over the past two centuries. It is believed that the first Puerto Ricans arrived in New York City as early as mid 19th century, and most of them were either students from affluent families or revolutionaries.
While, according to Scholastic, Puerto Ricans do not represent any more than 1% of the US population, their contribution to shaping the American culture has been crucial for nearly two centuries.
Now, with hurricane Maria’s aftermath, experts are predicting a significant migration flow from Puerto Rico to the mainland, and many are wondering how will this affect the US economy.
Almost half of the American population doesn’t know Puerto Ricans are also US citizens, and hence living and working is not only a possibility for people from the Caribbean island but also a right.
Puerto Rico and the US
Traditionally, Puerto Ricans have migrated to New York looking for a better opportunity. As stated earlier, initially migrants were young students and revolutionaries; these days however it is mostly middle-class who are fleeing the island to different parts of the northeastern states and major cities in Florida, Illinois, and California.
Middle-Class with Higher Educations
After Mexicans, Puerto Ricans represent the second largest Hispanic population living in the United States and as such, they’re shaping the Latino cultural picture of the country. Unlike other Hispanics arriving in the country, however, Puerto Ricans have shown to be in a better place socio-economically speaking as they have had higher incomes as well as higher education attainment when arriving in the United States. According to the Washington Post, boricuas middle-class educated professionals with backgrounds in medicine, engineering, and education.
Puerto Rico and Tourism
Puerto Rico is also a primary tourist destination in the Caribbean. Its year-round warm weather and crystal clear waters are appealing to Americans and Europeans alike, and this has led to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the services industries over the decades; from restaurants to hotels or tour operators. It is likely that a big percentage of those arriving on the mainland will have experience working in the tourism industry, and will be able to provide their knowledge and expertise to businesses in Florida, Texas, Illinois or California.
Puerto Rican Cuisine on the Mainland
It wouldn’t be surprising to see new shops and restaurants flourishing in these states as a result of the Puerto Rican exodus after hurricane Maria. Boricua cuisine is not as known as Mexican in the United States, and there aren’t many Puerto Rican restaurants outside of New York City and Miami, but this could bring an opportunity to open up new restaurants and spread the island food on the mainland. The San Francisco Chronicle states that there’s a new wave of boricua chefs who have incorporated “modern techniques with Puerto Rican ingredients. They have, in turn, cultivated a new generation of young chefs, including Paxx Caraballo Moll, who have tentacled out across the island creating their own culinary endeavors.”
With the possibility of new businesses opening on the mainland, the need to secure their assets will grow too. Infinity Insurance offers various insurance products to ensure a business is off to a great start. Whether it’s a restaurant, a flower shop or delivery service, the need to secure a commercial license, general liability insurance or property insurance among others.
If you’re a Puerto Rican starting your new business in the mainland United States, our friendly agents can help you get started on the right foot. We offer competitive rates that adjust to your budget needs while keeping you protected. Simply call 1-800-INFINITY or Click Here to request more information and a quote on the products that we carry.