This is compounded by the fact that Puerto Ricos 2.7 million population will double in less than 30 years and we are now on .the brink of another movement of massive migration to the mainland. In 1968. migration from Puerto Rico to the United States was over 77.000 from a nearzero figure In 1960. What is particularly tragic is the fact that many of the new migrants and potential migrants are now young people with some skills. a commodity the island can ill afford to lose. .: In addition to wages being a fraction of those on the mainland. the cost of living in Puerto Rico is much higher. While exact figures are unavailable. some statistics place island costs at as high as 25 percent more than in New York. Chicago or Boston. . : Mr. Speaker. because of my place of birth and background I feel a special responsibility for Puerto.Rico and Puerto Ricans. whether they be in the South Bronx. in Lorain. Ohio. or in .Caguas. where I was :born. If we are .going to meaningfully. and effectively cope with our urban crisis.and the .impending influx of Puerto Rican migrants.we must make certain that. Puerto Ricoreceives its full and fair share and that the islands economic development and progress is encouraged and aided to.the fullest extent possible. I urge ourcolleagues to actively participate .in this vital undertaking and to -work with me in ending the current discrimination -against Puerto Rico and in bringing equity tothe treatment of "La.Isla.
Keywords matched
migrants