Since 1944, Puerto Ricans migrated en masse to metropolitan cities as a result of Operation Bootstrap, a mass industrialization program that sought to solve rampant unemployment caused by overpopulation. Cities such as Chicago and New York City saw a massive influx in Puerto Rican immigrants in search of better opportunities. Nearby cities, such as Aurora, Illinois would gain fewer Puerto Rican immigrants who would later make a large impact on the city socially and politically. Early migrants such as Emilio Berrios helped improve Latino employment in the city through his help in unionizing the Aurora Paperboard and his work on the Human Rights Commission. The Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council continually influences the city with the annual Puerto Rican Festival and the raising of the Puerto Rican flag during Puerto Rican Heritage Week. Beyond societal impacts made by Puerto Ricans, Puerto Ricans also contributed to the political landscape of the city through the election of Alderman David Marquez, the appointment of Judge René Cruz to the 16th Circuit Court, and Laura Gonzalez's appointment to the Illinois State Board of Education. Although Puerto Ricans broke the glass ceiling for many Latinos in the City of Aurora, little effort was made to recognize their efforts and write down their contributions. Their accomplishments showcase that while Puerto Ricans have their roots on the island, the Puerto Rican community has made Aurora their home.