The uniqueness of the Puerto Rican experience lies in the mass migration to the United States, Puerto Rico’s ongoing colonial status, Puerto Ricans' U.S. citizenship, and the continuous back and forth travel between the two countries.

Migration has been and continues to be one of Puerto Ricans most constant historical realities. Coming to the U.S. since the 1800s, by the early 21st century, nearly 3.9 million Puerto Ricans live in the country, slightly more than live on the Island itself.

For most of the twentieth century, Puerto Ricans in the U.S. were centered in the Northeast but now Puerto Ricans live in all 50 states in communities facing similar economic, political and social challenges.