The Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, founded 17 September 1922, also advocates independence. This party has since held that, by international law, the Spanish had no authority under the Treaty of Paris to cede the island, which was no longer theirs.

What percent of Puerto Ricans want independence?

Of the fifty-four percent (54.0%) who voted “No” on maintaining the status quo, 61.11% chose statehood, 33.34% chose free association, and 5.55% chose independence. Opponents of statehood argued that these results did not show that a majority of Puerto Rican voters support statehood.

What would happen if Puerto Rico became independent?

Option 4: Independence



Puerto Rico would become a sovereign nation with its own political system, language, culture, and membership in the United Nations. The United States would no longer be obligated to provide financial support, but would lose all military bases unless Puerto Rico agreed to lease them.

Is Puerto Rico trying to become a state?

On January 4, 2017, Puerto Rico’s new representative to Congress pushed a bill that would ratify statehood by 2025. On June 11, 2017, another non-binding referendum was held where 97.7 percent voted for the statehood option.

Will Puerto Rico be its own country?

In 2012, 61.2 percent of Puerto Rican voters favored statehood over remaining a commonwealth; in 2017, 97 percent (of a small voter turnout) chose statehood over independence or commonwealth status; and in 2020 about 53 percent voted for statehood. Independence: Puerto Rico would become an independent country.

What rights do Puerto Ricans not have?

For instance, in contrast to U.S. states, Puerto Rico residents cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections nor can they elect their own senators and representatives to the U.S. Congress. On the other hand, in contrast to U.S. states, only some residents of Puerto Rico are subject to federal income taxes.

Why does the U.S. keep Puerto Rico?

The strategic value of Puerto Rico for the United States at the end of the nineteenth century centered in economic and military interests. The island’s value to US policy makers was as an outlet for excess manufactured goods, as well as a key naval station in the Caribbean.

What is the 52nd state of the United States?

The State of Jefferson would be our 52nd state, the 51st being the now-aborning North Colorado.

Why won t the US let Puerto Rico become a state?

Under international law, a free associated state is an independent country that has enhanced association with another country through a treaty. This is also a misnomer since Puerto Rico is not an independent country but rather a U.S. territory.

Does Puerto Rico pay US taxes?

Puerto Ricans do pay federal taxes, but the majority of them do not contribute to income taxes which are only paid by Puerto Rico residents who work for the federal government, those who are in the U.S. military, others who earn money from outside the country and those who work with the federal government.

Can someone born in Puerto Rico be president?

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident

Are Puerto Ricans considered U.S. citizens?

Since Puerto Ricans are considered citizens, they can move and live in the United States freely.

What is the drinking age in Puerto Rico?

De-Colonization Debate Heats Up In Puerto Rico

What is the benefit of being a US territory?

People of these territories (except some in American Samoa) are U.S. citizens, pay federal taxes such as Social Security and Medicare – but not federal income tax — and can freely travel within the U.S. Much like states in the U.S., the territories also have their own governments and elect their own governors.

Why is Puerto Rico not an independent nation?

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States invaded and occupied Puerto Rico. At the war’s conclusion, Spain ceded the islands to the U.S. as part of the treaty of Paris, which ended the conflict. The U.S. established a civilian government with a U.S.-appointed governor.

How much is Puerto Rico’s debt?

$72 billion

In 2016, Congress passed the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), which created the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight and Management Board to restructure the Commonwealth’s unsustainable burden of more than $72 billion in debt and more than $55 billion in unfunded pension liabilities.

Do Puerto Ricans pay taxes?

Federal taxes. Residents of Puerto Rico are required to pay most types of federal taxes. Specifically, residents of Puerto Rico pay customs taxes, Federal commodity taxes, and all payroll taxes (also known as FICA taxes, which include (a) Social Security, (b) Medicare, and Unemployment taxes).

Can I move to Puerto Rico as a US citizen?

If you’re a U.S. citizen, this means an easy transition for you. No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate. In other words, living in Puerto Rico is almost like living abroad, but without either the paperwork hassle or the immigration concerns.

Do Puerto Ricans have US passports?

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens: Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony until the U.S. took control of the island after the Spanish-American War of 1898. In 1917, the U.S. granted citizenship to Puerto Ricans through the Jones-Shafroth Act. Puerto Ricans have U.S. passports.