Introduction
Studying Puerto Rican poverty as a social problem is essential because it helps identify the causes, effects, and eradication measures in Puerto Rico and other nations experiencing the social problem. The topic helps clarify the fundamental problems Puerto Rico experiences since poverty is the basis for most of its social problems. Additionally, the findings may provide helpful advice for preventing global poverty. The initiative is non-stop and non-profit to make a difference in Puerto Rico through the insights offered and make the results more significant. The subject also broadens and deepens the community’s understanding of the nearby impoverished regions. Empathy, sympathy, and acts to help others in need are sparked by it. Moreover, the subject guides professionals and national governments to propose the necessary actions to reduce global poverty.
Causes and Poverty Rates in Puerto Rico
Long before the COVID-19 outbreak, Puerto Rico, a Caribbean Island and U.S. territory, battled with poverty. 43.1% of Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million inhabitants, including 57% of children, lived in poverty in 2019. In contrast, the national poverty rate in the United States was far lower at 13.1% (Wagenheim, 2022). Due to the enormous debt from a protracted recession, poverty in Puerto Rico has become a persistent problem. The most recent natural catastrophes to hit the island were COVID-19 and Hurricane Maria. These difficulties have made disadvantaged individuals even more vulnerable to poverty and have harmed Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, economy, and healthcare systems. Nevertheless, Puerto Ricans have shown to be very resilient, and current initiatives are aiding in improving this condition.
Conclusion
The island has received help from nations like Spain and the U.S. throughout history but has never been wholly embraced. Puerto Ricans require unwavering assistance because poverty is prevalent across the island’s metropolitan regions. As a territory of the U.S., it is the mandate of the U.S. government to solve the problems in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans are regarded as American citizens under the Jones-Shagroth Act. They are allowed to leave and immigrate to the U.S. once they get citizenship (Dávila, 2018). According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Puerto Rico (n.d.), 4.4% of residents moved to the U.S. mainland in 2018 than in 2017. But those who cannot leave the island due to financial constraints are trapped with low-paying employment and no prospects. Despite the damage caused by several storms, Puerto Rico has managed to move on. It has experienced volatility over time and was never regarded as self-sufficient. Only one step will be taken in the correct path by resolving its economic issue. The territory must either sever connections with the U.S. or become an independent state to proceed. Puerto Rico requires security. Both solutions have the potential to reduce poverty in the region and ensure the future prosperity of Puerto Ricans.
References
Dávila, L. (2018). How Puerto Ricans made the U.S. mainland home. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Puerto Rico. (n.d.). Census Bureau QuickFacts.
Wagenheim, O. J. (2022). Puerto Rico | History, Geography, & Points of Interest. Encyclopedia Britannica.