Puerto Ricans in the United States: (The New Americans)

__Puerto Ricans in the United States__ begins by presenting Puerto Rico—the land, the people, and the culture. The island's invasion by U.S. forces in 1898 set the stage for our intertwined relationship to the present day. Pérez y González brings to life important historical events leading to immigration to the United States, particularly to the large northeastern cities, such as New York. The narrative highlights Puerto Ricans' adjustment and adaptation in this country through the media, institutions, language, and culture. A wealth of information is given on socioeconomic status, including demographics, employment, education opportunities, and poverty and public assistance. The discussions on the struggles of this group for affordable housing, issues of women and children, particular obstacles to obtaining appropriate health care, including the epidemic of AIDS, and race relations are especially insightful. The final chapter on Puerto Ricans' impact on U.S. society highlights their positive contributions in a wide range of fields. Contents 8 Series Foreword 10 Acknowledgments 12 1. Introduction 14 Boriquén, Land of the Valiant People 15 2. Boriquén Becomes Puerto Rico 20 The 1493 Encounter and Beyond 20 The Emergence of a Puerto Rican National Identity 23 3. Puerto Rican Culture 26 The Heritage of Miscegenation: Taíno, Spanish, and African 26 Language 27 Religion 28 Customs and Cultural Traits 31 Music 34 Foods 35 4. The American Encounter and Beyond 38 The 1898 Invasion and Military Rule 38 The Foraker Act: A Civil Government 39 Jones Act of 1917: U.S. Citizenship 42 Social and Political Turmoil 43 Stages of (Im)migration 46 5. Adjustment and Adaptation in the United States 54 Adjustment 54 Adaptation 68 6. The Socioeconomic Status of Stateside Puerto Ricans 76 Demographic Characteristics 76 Socioeconomic Status 77 Conclusion 88 7. The Struggles and Heroics of a People 90 Poverty and Housing 90 Female Householders and Children 95 Health Care 99 HIV/AIDS 109 Crime and the Legal System 114 Conclusion 120 8. Racial and Ethnic Relations 138 The Interface Between Race and Culture 142 Intergroup Relations 146 Conclusion 156 9. The Impact of Puerto Ricans on American Society 158 Economy and Labor 158 Politics and Law 160 Education 168 Religion and Theology 172 Festivals 177 Foods 178 Music 178 Literature 183 Theater, Film, and Television 186 Art 189 Sports 191 Science 194 Conclusion 195 Appendix 196 Bibliography 198 Index 212 A 212 B 212 C 212 D 213 E 213 F 213 G 213 H 213 I 213 J 214 L 214 M 214 N 214 O 214 P 214 R 215 S 215 T 215 U 215 V 215 W 215 Z 215 Photographic Essay follows p. 108. 122 With the homeland of Puerto Rico strongly evoked as background, the entire immigration and adaptation process of Puerto Ricans in this country since the early 1900s takes shape in a thoughtful analysis. This is essential reading for understanding an important American (im)migrant group and the development of our urban culture as well Examines The Immigration And Adaptation Process Of Puerto Ricans In The United States Since The Early 1900s, Detailing The American Encounter And Its Impact, Stateside Puerto Ricans' Socioeconomic Status, Struggles With Poverty And Crime, And Racial And Ethnic Relations.