Language Policy Towards Migrant Students in Puerto Rico’s Public Education System: A Historical Perspective

The objective of this article is to examine the historical development of the Puerto Rico Department of Education’s language policy towards migrant students learning Spanish, with a special focus on the current program. The article explores the legal basis, goals, and objectives of these programs, as well as the implementation procedures and evaluation. In the final discussion, the article reflects upon the transnational—rather than national—character of the Puerto Rican community and contemporary language practices on the Island. This study takes a historical approach. The discussion of language policy before 2008 is based on secondary sources, including reports, academic research, and press articles. To examine the current policy, a critical analysis was conducted on policy documents issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Education, with particular attention to six circular letters (cartas circulares) regulating the policy towards migrant students.