Why have many Dominicans emigrated to New York City and other cities in the United States?

Since the mid-1960s, a significant number of Dominicans have emigrated to New York City and other parts of the United States primarily to improve their economic situation.1

This outward flow of people has served two main purposes:
* Economic Improvement: Emigration has allowed many individuals to boost their families' incomes through the remittance of cash and consumer goods.1
* Resource Relief: The departure of a large portion of the population—estimated at more than one-tenth of the total since the mid-1960s—has helped alleviate strain on local resources within the Dominican Republic, such as housing, food production, and water supplies.1

While many have migrated legally, a significant number of these individuals have entered the United States as illegal immigrants.1