A Study of the Ecological Problems of Puerto Rican Migration and Resettlement as Viewed Through Twenty Cases Referred to New York Catholic Charities Family Service Between 1948–1950

Background of the Study. Ever since there have been populations, there have been concurrent movements of people. Down through the pages of history, we have learned of the different types of movements, first of all, those resolving themselves in conquest; secondly, those for the purpose of colonization; and, the more recent trend, that of emigration and immigration. Modern migrations, unlike those in early history, are undertaken for a variety of motives and, almost invariably, without organization. They are, therefore, more complicated and they are united only through the one common aim: the change of locality by persons seeking more favorable conditions of life. The problems of emigration precede the problems of immigration quite naturally, since it is necessary first to consider the reasons why men leave old environments and seek new homes. The urge must be a strong one which will cause a man to decide to transplant himself, and often his family, to a new environment, there to remold their lives in the process of assimilation that follows. In this adaptive process, the transitional period for the family includes a certain clinging to the old life, sometimes unconsciously, while adjusting to a new way of thinking, living and reacting. Dissatisfaction that motivates this change may be felt toward political, religious, economic or social opportunities in the homeland. Frequently, it is a combination of the four n that permeates this transition