Thousands flee Puerto Rico, possibly never to return

Some people have have waited for days for a flight out, and many Puerto Ricans wonder if they will stay once they reach the US mainland.

As American citizens, Puerto Ricans can easily move to the mainland. Migration has soared in recent years, fueled by Puerto Ricans’ desire for economic stability, jobs, schools and access to medical care.

Between April 2010 and July 2016, the population of Puerto Rico dropped by 8.4 percent, the US Census said, the largest percentage drop of any USstate or territory.