Argues that the semiperipheral development of Puerto Rico since around 1975 has created a relative labor surplus in formal sectors of the economy while increasing demand for cheap labor in the informal service sector. Describes migration of Puerto Ricans to and from the U.S. and of Dominicans to Puerto Rico. (AF)

Studying local and national population distribution, as well as economic and social patterns, is becoming crucial for educators who serve rapidly changing communities. School officials should take into consideration the tremendous diversity in cultures, economic and family situations, and educational levels existing within an ethnic group. Several…

Discusses issues concerning forced migration. In today's climate, there is an increased willingness to intervene in other countries' affairs to avert the creation of new floods of immigrants or to assist internally displaced populations, and there is the expectation of large-scale and voluntary returns of refugees in asylum. (SLD)