Liam Wise - Puerto Rican Refugees live in U.S. Hotels

In early December of last year, scores of Puerto Rican citizens were displaced from their rightful homes as a result of the violent hurricane that ravaged the island. 4 months after Maria’s devastation of the country, more than 3,000 Puerto Rican refugees still live in hotels set aside by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Every 30 days, the families are reconsidered for more permanent housing, provided by FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance Program. Things look bleak for many of the families, as at this point in their lives, they have to choose between staying for a chance at housing, or returning to a torn Puerto Rico. Much of the colony still needs restoration of power and running water, leaving nearly half a million wanting for basic supplies. To those who were already fighting unemployment and poverty, these hotels are a safe haven from the lurking aftermath of a true disaster. Over the next five years, the government estimates that Puerto Rico will see a cumulative 19% decline in it’s population as a result of the lacking disaster relief efforts. As of now, they’re still a struggling population in need of assistance. Hurricane Maria has caused what some believe to be the biggest “Mainland Exodus” since the 1950s. This is indicative of the United States’ ability to sustain it’s satellite nations after a disaster, as Puerto Rico receives less and less attention.