Why Dominicans, Haitians, and Jamaicans Immigrate to the United States

Dominicans

• Economic opportunity – high poverty/unemployment.
• Political instability – coups, authoritarian periods.
• Family reunification.

Haitians

• Extreme poverty – one of the world’s poorest nations.
• Chronic political turmoil – dictatorships, civil unrest.
• Natural disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes.

Jamaicans

• Economic hardship – high poverty rate.
• Political violence.
• Family reunification.