One such acquaintance in the Orlando area, Miguel, moved to an older, almost entirely white neighborhood in Seminole County and became the head of the homeowner association. Not only are the crime and disorder less and the schools better, but Miguel and his wife are determined that their children "will be raised as Americans."
As trendy as it is to cultivate ethnic identity, the tug of assimilation is strong because of the profound attractiveness of American life and values and the freedom and opportunity that the country offers. Those Puerto Ricans inclined that way are more likely to register as Independents or Republicans.
They may say that they will raise their kids as Americans, and they try, but it never fails that they also send their kids during summers to their grandparents on the island, who beat some old world and Catholic values into them and make them practice their Spanish language while they’re at it. :-)