The essays in this collection are an analysis of the past and present conditions of Latinos in metropolitan New York. The focus is on Puerto Ricans, but there are explorations of the status of other Latino groups in the city. The book contains sections on historical and sociological perspectives and policy issues. Contributions are: (1) "The Evolution of the Latino Community in New York City: Early Nineteenth Century to the Present" (Gabriel Haslip-Viera); (2) "Dominicans in New York: Men, Women, and Prospects" (Ramona Hernandez and Silvio Torres-Saillant); (3) "Mexicans in New York: Memberships and Incorporation in a New Immigrant Community" (Robert C. Smith); (4) "Racial Themes in the Literature: Puerto Ricans and Other Latinos" (Clara E. Rodriguez); (5) "The Identity and Culture of Latino College Students" (Jose Hernandez); (6) "Aspects of the Puerto Rican Religious Experience: A Sociohistorical Overview" (Ana Maria Diaz-Stevens); (7) "Hispanics and Wage Inequality in New York City" (Edwin Melendez); (8) "Education and Community: Puerto Ricans and Other Latinos in the Schools and Universities" (Jesse M. Vasquez); (9) "Puerto Rican Politics in New York: Beyond 'Secondhand' Theory" (Jose R. Sanchez); (10) "New York's Latinos and the 1986 Immigration Act: The IRCA Experience and Future Trends" (Sherrie L. Baver); and (11) "Puerto Rican and Latino Culture at the Crossroads" (Juan Flores). Each chapter contains references. (Contains 23 tables and 4 figures.) (SLD)