This work investigates the structural and economic factors driving the migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States and the subsequent persistence of poverty within these communities. Julio Morales, drawing upon his background in social work and community organization, utilizes a combination of historical analysis and socioeconomic data to argue that migration patterns are inextricably linked to the island's colonial status and the shifting demands of the U.S. labor market. The text provides a framework for understanding how institutional barriers and economic displacement contribute to the cycle of poverty experienced by migrant populations.

Experts in the field of sociology and ethnic studies frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the structural roots of Puerto Rican migration. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous examination of the socioeconomic challenges faced by this demographic.