Migrants Who Participate in the Labor Force in Puerto Rico: Its Demographic Characteristics and Segmented Participation in the Economy

Jenilda Rivera, University of Puerto Rico

This investigation examined the sociodemographic characteristics of the migrant population who participate in the labor force in Puerto Rico for the year 2000. The dual segmentation approach was incorporated to the analysis. The data was obtained from the 2000 Census of population and Housing for Puerto Rico. The study analyzed those who were born in United States, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Considerable differences by ethnic group were observed in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and the factors that promote the segmentation in the economy. Cuban immigrants have a privileged position in the economy of the island. Dominicans, on the other hand, are in a disadvantage position. Cubans have the greater proportion of employed they also have an older age structure, a substantial amount of men in the labor force, are more educated and have a higher income. These characteristics facilitate the participation of these groups in a segmented occupational economy.