Should Puerto Rico Become The 51st State?

There are 3.5 million U.S. citizens currently facing one of the worst financial crises in this country - and they're all in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. government has an almost 120-year-long relationship with Puerto Rico - which is a territory, not the 51st state. But what has that relationship looked like? Why is Puerto Rico still a territory, and what do Puerto Ricans, themselves, want for their future? Explore these questions - and some others - with Sana Saeed, who starts the story at the very beginning: May 12, 1898.
Learn more here:
Source. “5 Facts About Puerto Rico's Utter Economic Misery.” money.cnn.com/2017/05/08/news/economy/puerto-rico-bankruptcy-takeaways/
Source. “Puerto Rico's Debt Crisis Claims Another Causality: Its Schools.” www.nytimes.com/2017/05/10/us/puerto-rico-debt-schools-close.html
Source. “The Department of Justice Throws Massive Colonial Wrench at Puerto Rico’s June 11 Plebiscite.” www.latinorebels.com/2017/04/13/the-department-of-justice-throws-massive-colonial-wrench-at-puerto-ricos-june-11-plebiscite/
Music tracks courtesy of APM.
Footage and images courtesy of AP, Reuters, Getty and Al Jazeera English.
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Presented by: Sana Saeed
Written by: Sana Saeed
Edited by: Brian Joseph
Animations by: Joe Corea
Illustrations by: Joe Corea
Produced by: Sana Saeed
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[@EdwardGarrenMFT]

I'm old enough to remember when both Alaska and Hawaii were "territories" and not states. The Japanese American majority on Hawaii was not enthusiastic about statehood for a LONG time. Alaska, same thing, the people there did not feel connected to the U.S. Both places benefitted immensely from statehood, mostly because they could no longer be ignored, either politically, or in the conciousness of the rest of America. There are now large Spanish speaking communities in many states in the United States. Over 50% of the citizens of California have "Spanish surnames" and Florida is fast catching up. So I hope that Puerto Rico can become our 51st State. The contributions of Puerto Ricans in "American Life" are immense, Borincanos are an integral part of our country, and it's time for Puerto Rico to become a state.

[@androidangel787]

Edward Garren thanks Edward

[@LeoOfJudah]

Mr Garren - Just because we share the same spanish last names doesnt mean that we are a homogenized group, that being said the more illegal migrants from latin america comes to the us the least favorable our position as puerto ricans will be we as well as those 'original americans'... this is a ploy for regionalization that will en up in globalization

[@modestodiazberrios9271]

You must do more Research, They has lost all that before been the 49 and 50 states and the rich white americans had take over before that, the only different is that now you have somebody in congress or in Senate to represent you. We do not and all those rich white People had been taken all what we have and we can not do anything because we do not have the right to talk or vote.

[@anthonymonacelli2598]

I don't want to inherit 120 billion dollars in debt. Most of them are welfare leeches. So no.

[@EdwardGarrenMFT]

Dude. I grew up in and around TAMPA Florida, the oldest 3 language city in the country. I grew up with Borincanos and Cubanos (and the other "Island People" that come to Florida). Puerto Rico should have been granted statehood decades ago. As for the other stuff, you're right, I'm not your enemy here.

[@bubblebuttbubberduck8912]

Puerto Rico pays taxes for the most part, without representation.. hmm, that sure sounds familiar and hypocritical

[@zixiangchen5965]

Taxation Without Representation?? emm, sounds very familiar in the textbook

[@LeoOfJudah]

Max - Protection from the US? Against who the Dominican Navy, Hatian Paratroopers, Colombian Nuclear Submarines... Sounds more like a 'protection racket'

[@vtdelacy2074]

The pro-independence party on the island has always been an ignorant minority. Most of the well educated citizens there realize that going that route might only place them at risk of a takeover by nearby communists in Cuba and the population there of refugee families who fled to freedom there when Fidel Castro took over their homeland would not want to see that ever happen, knowing better than anyone the disastrous risks they would then face. They NEED our oversight and protection and, having produced many thousands of American citizens throughout the past century, they sure deserve a hand up from us more than despots around the globe getting it like Cuba and Iran. Statehood for Puerto Rico at long last!

[@vtdelacy2074]

Just how well have you managed on your own when currently you are BILLIONS in debt without so much as the option to declare bankruptcy for relief? No seas tonto - take the lifesaver when it is offered to you - can't you see the hand of Divine Providence here? Piensalo before letting your future slip away through misplaced pride!

[@zekigpr]

Are you living in fantasy land?

[@MarkbyMarkAFosterPhD]

Puerto Rico voted, narrowly, to become the 51st state. However, Congress has not taken any action on it.

[@mkt3000]

In a ballot that was created to get that specific result, and without the plurality that the Obama administration requested, in order to proceed. What was without a doubt proven though was that Puerto Rico had, in effect, was tell the US that it was unhappy with the current status.

[@androidangel787]

Mark A. Foster, Ph.D. we will have a plebiscite on Sunday.

[@Trosar]

There are no voters that support an obsolete status so the few there are boycott. Non-voters don't count in any election process.

[@santgonz]

Congress is listening and for the first time DoJ is taking special interest in the language used on the ballot. If its not this Congress will be the next one. It's only a matter of time.

[@nebraska22]

Thats just one of the reason why PR should become an independent nation. The US doesnt take it serious and looks down to them.

[@dugfriendly]

Check out the Congressional Dish podcast on Puerto Rico. It's amazing how unfairly they've been treated.

[@angelmora2364]

We have fought in most major wars in which the us has been involved in protecting american ECONOMIC interests and look how soms of you think of us. Unbelievable.

[@angelmora2364]

How ungrateful

[@EdwardLCheeverII]

Either Statehood or independence, definitely. I would like to see them become a state, but I'm not Puerto Rican and it should be up to them.

[@josemer22]

Edward Cheever yes bro #51

[@teach-u-lessons1088]

josemer22 independence is better,,, with sovereignty we will be able to regulate our own tax codes and enter into bilateral agreements with every nation looking for better prices in goods. Independence will help eliminate the Jones Act and will help increase foreign investments from every country instead just the US. Never leave your eggs into one basket be diversify

[@josemer22]

teach-u-lessons with independence sooner or later a dictator will step up, garcia padilla was almost like one discarding democracy whyle in the hands of the usa, the corruption of yulin and many others under the hands of us independence would only give them a better chance to do what ever they want why do you think most polititians want indpendence they dont want democracy they want power and being a state woukd take that power away.

[@teach-u-lessons1088]

josemer22 Cub Scout you think very small about the capabilities of the Puerto Rican people presuming that a dictator will come about. That's the fear jingo that some Boricuas use to scare and dummy down people.

[@teach-u-lessons1088]

Nico _ So true Nico only weak minded people think very small concerning the capabilities of the Puerto Rican people. Congress and public opinion will be against annexation because the US taxpayers will be on the hook for the extra federal funding money under statehood and public opinion will be against that. It's all about the money and who pays the taxes in the US and Puerto Rico. Besides Puerto Rico had it's chance in becoming a state when the economy was doing well but that window of opportunity past the PNP by.

[@KJT922010T]

Could Puerto Rico survive as a independent country is my question.

[@yeseniarivera7776]

Kevin James people off lil fath

[@futureclean]

No way in hell. They depend heavily on USA handouts.

[@jpp3820]

approximately $74 billion Puerto Rican national debt is now approximately $74 billion, but unlike mainland municipalities, Puerto Rico is not protected by Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and cannot file for bankruptcy. 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🙈🙈🙈💩💩💩

[@YoubetheCook]

Thank you for this video.

[@Latinoallover625]

Your information is totally wrong

[@jorgerivera5265]

I'm Puerto Rican, currently studying in Germany, and honestly if I could vote for statehood I'd fly back home to do so. We'd finally have a voice after so many years of, by definition, colonialism. Plus we would definitely benefit from those additional 10 billions per year in federal funds..

[@mr.djadult0221]

OMG How and why are you in Germany!!? (Or where) Looks amazing!

[@imgodyursavior1046]

Do we need another dependent state?

[@michaeltheatlantean5329]

WHAT IS PR DOING TO HELP PR?

[@gamalicus]

In the last two plebiscites (2012 and 2016), Puerto Rico voted statehood, Congress should listen to us puertorricans

[@moleo9485]

2020 as well

[@Raioneru93]

Please do more research on Puerto Rico. The current information tends to be bias on certain views and deviates a lot from the reality the colony is facing. I would appreciate the help. Thank you.

[@7sonero7]

When researching PR history or current events u found it difficult to find information ? ever tried Google Search Bar ...... there's even an image tab that shows lots and lots of images. Past and present.... oh and I almost forgot .... KZbin .... :)

[@MultiBotijas]

Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States during the Spanish- American war. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with Commonwealth status whose residents are U.S. citizens by birth since 1917. Puerto Rican soldiers have fought in every major U.S. military conflict during the past century. About 84,000 people moved from Puerto Rico to the United States in 2014. On average, 230 people left per day -- enough to fill two daily flights out of the island. The result is the highest net migration recorded in the past decade. What I am trying to tell you guys is or we are granted statehood or we will continue to move to the U.S.A. looking for a brighter future it is our right as US citizen's.

[@johnhaser4808]

I’m an expert in PR history and its numbers, I also live in PR part time for 30 years and have built commercial buildings there. So lets think about an economy and what’s needed for that to work. Over 40% of Ricans quit High school. Over 60% are on some type of fed Gov assistances. Over 30% of its workforce works for the Pr government. PR has averaged double-digit unemployment since the 70s. YOU CAN NOT CREATE a functional economy with a Report card such as the Ricans have period. Ricans are FAMOUS for blaming the states etc for there dysfunctional society. IE. Jones act in PR ports which Ricans again BLAME that for their screwed up economy. FACTS Hawaii also has the SAME Jones act as well as most all U.S ports. Hawaii is 3,000 miles off the U.S. coast yet for 1.5 million people Hawaii Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 62 billion. Puerto Rico 1,500 miles off the U.S. coast (half the distance) yet for 3.5 million, PR GDP was 103 billion, 42 Billion OFF in matching Hawaii in Population differences

[@AnibalArocho]

For up-to-date data and research about Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans please visit The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, CUNY centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/

[@OQN2]

False. Rich Port is not related to the gold. It Is related to the San Juan area that was considered a location rich in characteristics and advantage point to create a very good port "rich port".

[@RafaelAndre00]

She talked about the Violent Nationalist movements in PR but she didn't talk about all the evil things America did to Puerto Ricans back then. She didn't talk about the Ponce massacre or the radiation experimentation

[@Yewon2001]

They want it both ways. They say they hate US colonial rule but yet they want to keep receiving the money we give them.

[@guajon1]

Is good that the American people know the truth. Puerto Rico receive aid from the US and there is a misconception on that and make people believe that we depends on the federal help to live and survive. The reality is very different . For example Puerto Rico receive $2.704 billions in transfers to the state government and local agencies also $1.923 billions transfers to individuals like food stamps, Bell grants and other helps to persons. Total in funds from US to PR $4.627 billions. That's the real amount sent to Puerto Rico of free money if you can say that. Also $8.902 billions in money that people receive for Social Security, federal pensions, Veterans pensions, Medicare etc. But these are money people pay to the federal government and they receive back is not a gift but a right. But the local government tell the people is money free from the states. A lie. Puerto Rico a little Island with 3.5 million peoples that year bought more than 25.600 billions in goods from the USA only ( not counting what we bought from others countries ) and that make Puerto Rico one of the best markets to the USA in the world , and those $25.000 billions create almost a million jobs in the USA. We sent back in capital gain from megastores and profits from US corporations 37.000 billions a year. We pay to American transportation companies $1500 billions or more a year. So, at the end of the day we receive $4627 billions from US and sent back $67.000 billions to the American economy. Even with the high unemployment of 12% that means that a majority of the Puerto Ricans workforce are working and producing billions of dollars to keep the economy running. That's what the US keep Puerto Rico and that's what the colonies are for. Good business. So you can see the real story is different . If we still have a lot of problem is because the bad administration and corruption of the local governments who really don't care about nothing but to managed the local budget and take benefits for them , family and friends , and also the US congress bad decisions on Puerto Rico who don't care about the millions of American citizens in the island.

[@mariaiarroyo6070]

Puerto Rico got good soil to grow and provide and planting fruit and much more

[@jeffdwyer6105]

This video must have been made before the last referendum where PR voted for Statehood ..Maybe the next video could expand on the benefits or negatives in Statehood ? Ive been there 20 times in 10 years and been to 50 towns , I also know about their internal politics and corruption . The recent hurricane damage has really changed matters .

[@prgsc8083]

Lets focus on giving DC voting rights and Senators first. DC residents pay the highest taxes, including income, which Puerto Rico does not.

[@wiseass2149]

PRGS Commentary Exactly and D.C. is about as big as Vermont.

[@mkt3000]

Puerto Ricans pay all federal taxes, except federal income tax - however the local income taxes they pay are higher than any other state's + federal. Hardly a good deal.

[@prgsc8083]

You basically just repeated what I said. Puerto Rico does not pay the federal income tax, yet they benefit from federal income taxes. PR local taxes are not relevant to the point I'm making. DC pays all those taxes, and yet gets the same amount of representation in Congress. That is not right and a bigger problem.

[@dignairizarry-cassens6785]

PRGS, I'm sorry but beg to differ. Not sure what equal benefits you're referring to; SSI benefits are reduced by at least 40% - 45%, Medicare is 50% and PR has no Medicaid equivalent. So what's equal here please?

[@prgsc8083]

Digna I'm referring to the Federal Income Tax. Are you not familiar with that? I know about Social Security and Medicare taxes. Medicaid is a means tested social welfare program. But this isn't about those programs.

[@andrews3545]

America should include guam, pr, and america somoa into the union

[@marcotorres8779]

I’m Puerto Rican and feel it’s wrong to say USA is the main land of Puerto Rico. Just feels wrong saying that.

[@gusatl2068]

Avery State had special elections and in some of them, less electoral participation than last June 11 Plebiscite in Puerto Rico. In all of them, the government had a mandate from the People to implement or emendate laws regardless of who choose not to vote. To overlook 97% support for Statehood will not only be anti-Democratic but also anti-American.

[@mariaiarroyo6070]

Is about the paid for the product good money

[@jeremynieves108]

Nadie estas escuchando que nosotros queremos decir. Puerto Rico debe estar independiente, nosotros tenemos much historia en la isla y lo queremos cómo estás. El Estados Unidos quitaron la isla debajo de nuestro nariz como otro Islas y territorios, ustedes solo quieren chavo y poder. Ustedes quiere destruir culturas en el mundo, no le gustan nuevas cosas, piensan que son peligrosos pero no ven que lo puertorriqueños son gente que quieren construir la isla y hacerle lo más mejor que siempre era, ustedes no ven lo que sufrieron lo boricuas y hicieren para llegar donde estamos ahora. Si, viví una vida difícil en primero en lo calles de Nueva York pero mira donde estoy ahora, tengo un negocio en Florida y estoy haciendo una vida. Yo voy a regresar a Puerto Rico y construir la casa que siempre quería. 🇵🇷 💪 ❤️

[@Belle-gengin]

People don’t talk abt Puerto Rico because it’s always forgotten as well as the people there. Americans don’t understand how hard it’s been for those of us from the island who have had to leave and the ones who have had to stay and are still there. Puerto Rico had a lot of problems going on with not only debt but the government too. And things have only gotten worse since hurricane Maria came.

[@luismancia2785]

As a Salvadoran I personally think that puerto Rico should have been a state from a long time ago. Puerto contributes more troops to the USA than other states. Fuerte Puerto Rico hang on tough. Mejores tiempos bienen

[@ianmenendez]

Puerto Rico lacks the United Nations recognized right to self-governance. Part of the crisis is not only based on the US pulling back on laws that helped big pharma avoid taxes on the island, but rather on a much older enactment: The Jones Act. To simplify: The Jones Act limits Puerto Rico's ability to import/export goods from/to other countries. It also limits Puerto Rico's ability to use fleet that is not "American," which also happens to be one of the most expensive in the world and Puerto Rico is their main customer (as if there was a choice). So, when all these laws exempting certain US companies from certain taxes were pulled, Puerto Rico wasn't presented with a plethora of options to make up for that lost income. Stuck in the middle of the ocean, limited to the use of American fleet, unable to strategically trade with neighboring countries and unable to tax companies that are now leaving the island for Mexico, the loans became a short-term fix to an imminent economic and social cataclysm. Puerto Rico's debt is not only American, the United States and its Congress are directly responsible for it. The US Congress' failure to rid Puerto Rico of their colonial status, just as England once had over the USA, is at the root of everything that's going on in Puerto Rico. Just to give an example of how the Jones Act only serves the US, even for things manufactured in Puerto Rico, goods from the island are exported to the US (pay port taxes) then imported back to the island (pay port taxes again). This is another reason why the statement made on some of these comments is so true: only the ignorant people in Puerto Rico prefer statehood. Mainly because they've (they - US and major Puerto Rican party: PNP) been fed the lie that Puerto Rico does not have a sustainable economy without Federal "aid."

[@dportugues]

spot on!

[@yeseniarivera7776]

Ian Menendez it was the plan to take the only thing that we had you people with lil fath

[@felipemendez8453]

Negative, your statement presumes that after statehood the laws/tariffs imposed on Puerto Rico by the Jones Act will remain in place. And that the two Senators and ~five Representatives with a true voice backed by the right to a congressional vote will not lobby on behalf of their constituents for fair treatment under the law at every turn wherever the people of Puerto Rico are concerned, which I might add, the people only don't have now, because Puerto Rico is a colony, and not a state of the Union. So please, before you go about assigning ignorance, become well informed.

[@fernandgutez2383]

I couldn’t have said it better. God Bless!

[@chha6439]

Yes

[@Latinoallover625]

Who was Rosa Lebron?

[@doodelay]

Why not give them independence?

[@androidangel787]

doodelay it's a decision we make. we have a right to.srlf determination.

[@gilbertovazquez5773]

Because the US benefits from our current status.

[@emanuelogando9760]

They must pay 70 billion and they want USA to do it

[@richardv4211]

doodelay I say free Africa before PR, Africa potential to become the strongest continent on earth without US and EU involvement

[@zekigpr]

Secret military installation over, under and around PR... Roosevelt Roads was just a cover, like the tip of the iceberg.

[@eljorgegaming8734]

No they are corrupts

[@Chulitooooo]

I don’t understand why not make the district of Columbia into state of Columbia and make puerto Rico into state of puerto rico and make Guam and the Mariana islands into another state as-well and make the American Samoa into a separate state

[@josemuniz2225]

Soy puertorriqueño, pienso mucho en la situación política en la que se encuentra mi nación. Los puertorriqueños reconocen la existencia de su nación. Los puertorriqueños se refieren a su territorio como país. El dilema colonial corre muy profundo por nuestra sociedad, pues nunca se ha conocido la libertad y la soberanía. El concepto de nación para nosotros está profundamente tergiversada. La independencia para el pueblo puertorriqueño representa un estigma, una idea muy radical. El desarrollo de un aparato colonial que elevó el estándar de vida de suficientes puertorriqueños y propició un desarrollo económico y urbano extremadamente acelerado ahora mantiene a la población en confusión perpetua. El estado libre asociado, pero no somos ni estado ni libres ni mucho menos asociados. Se politiza la verdad tanto en cuanto a este debate, cada quien ve lo que quiere ver. Un sistema de educación con énfasis en escuelas privadas que le enseñan al puertorriqueño a ser norteamericano. Y las personas que no pueden sufragar educación privada, que son la mayoría, reciben una educación muy pobre en el sector público. El gobierno local y los estadounidenses han perpetuado una dependencia crónica entre Puerto Rico y EU. La hegemonía gringa es poderosa. Y más para una población con historia de lucha que ha sido socavada por la codicia y la hipocresía, una gente cuyos mártires son etiquetados como radicales y extremistas solo por encarnar principios nobles. El colonialismo es un tumor que debe ser extraído del tejido social de toda sociedad. El mundo no funciona así tho… por eso es que el movimiento anexionista de pr existe. Porque el colonialismo existe. Porque así es el mundo. Pero es bonito ponerse a pensar de vez en cuando.

[@cobravideos4636]

No

[@jaykid004]

Why don't we talk Puerto Rico more? Simple because they don't have anything for corporations to exploit......

[@Jay92master]

No Puerto Rico should never be a State or Free Association its time for puerto rico to be a country that will have a president & Vice President. Who will protect the people

[@dignairizarry-cassens6785]

I'll answer your question - but first let me say I appreciate your objective focused message that may start educating the non-PR, non-Hispanic population in the mainland. The creation of the colony created a paternalistic dependence on financial support that for a small island lacking any other industry or independent exports was difficult to change. Look at shipping, import/export laws and restrictions since it would take too long to discuss here. We've retained our roots to our island, our identity, and our family and friends attachments and language no matter how far we are or seldom we set foot there. The US doesn't really need the military advantage or cheap labor so there's no need to pay attention to Puerto Rico. I could go on but it will serve no purpose. I agree with most people I know - independence right now would be disastrous, but the state of limbo and to be kept in bondage like this makes no sense. But the truth in my heart is that the US will never ever ever grant the statehood many desire and will never ever ever set them free.

[@ShikagoMale1]

How is Walmart, Burger King & diabetes any different an identity than one you'd find on the mainland? Not to mention the drugs & murders...

[@jess97724]

I live in the US & I don't want it to become a state I'm tired of my country funding you people all the time for all your problems & disasters we need to save that funding to help our own people here in my own country & if it remains independent which I sure hope so then the Puertorican's won't be able to gain citizenship or move to the US & thank God for that.

[@josebaez8637]

⁠@@jess97724say you’re racist without saying you’re racist 😂

[@thywhipboy]

If your sources are from CNN you lost credibility

[@VROne333]

Puerto Rico Quenepas baseball team in the MLB.

[@phatkid099]

I believe Puerto Rico deserves to become state after all the territory has contributed to the main land U.S.

[@theEJRD]

The last part make so much sense. As a puertorican who has lived for 40+ years I find stupid that when the rest of the world is trying to ignore the USA. We are going to "vote" to join them. We are stupid. I give up.

[@ClementePR21]

Eligio Rosa No hace sentido verdad?.

[@felipemendez8453]

That's interesting, because you know I was paying attention when President Trump during a recent NATO summit (May 2017), failed to endorse Article 5, and the rest of the world seemed to be paying very close attention then. But you seem to be aware of some group of nations who are ignoring the United States, and that are somehow unmoved by it's global leadership, and impact on the economic forces that insure financial stability worldwide, so if you could just enlighten the rest of us. Please, much appreciated.

[@CFITOMAHAWK2]

ONLY 20% OF PUERTO RICANS VOTED FOR STATEHOOD. ITS ALL BS FROM REPUBLICANS IN PUERTO RICO. THEY SHOULD ALL LEAVE TO USA IF THE LIKE IT SO MUCH THERE. WE DONT WANT THEM HERE. GO AWAY ALREADY. BUNCH OF CRAZY LIARS.

[@luisviera6347]

It is nothing more than the welfare shit votes1

[@energysifu]

There is a fourth status option that sits like an elephant in a living room and is the integration as a province of Spain. It was totally illegal the appropriation of land by means of coercion. It is as if the Russians invade Alaska to keep it with a menace to attack Oregon or California. We have seen Hong Kong reunited with the mainland and East and West Germany as one country. Since before 1508 PR didn’t existed and in 1898 this illegal appropriation took place over a sovereign province of a sovereign state the most logical path to follow is the reunification of PR with Spain.

[@jeremynieves108]

No todo es “becoming a state”, hay otro opciones y tienen que escuchar que la gente tienen que decir. If there is such a thing as freedom of speech then where is it, you can’t barge in and intend on Puerto Rico becoming a state just like that, it’s not like that. I think the democratic government the United States pride on isn’t what it used to be, what happened to the fight to end colonialism, you guys are hypocrites and don’t see what the other side has to say.

[@okisoba]

Once Puerto Rico becomes a state it's pretty much impossible for it to secede because of how the laws are written (to the disappointment of plenty of Texas independence movement people). Thank the Confederacy for that.

[@heesil77]

no 70 billion in debt

[@SRSmith-pk4yo]

Good Vid ! I LUV PR !

[@morestuff64058]

I think it should become its own independent nation. Dallas should be the 51'st state because the first time I heard that Dallas was in the US I thought it was a state for first. but Dallas is the perfect one to become the 51'st state of the United States since its fitting. Puerto Rico has almost a Identical flag to the united states

[@mariaiarroyo6070]

They do not want to paid to the workers

[@dannyy3438]

You've had hundreds of years to make us a state and that's really long. We are suffering here guys!!! Make us a state or set us free!!!!!

[@rockusa6442]

all coastal ares are free for exploration for everyone!!! if it becomes a state, the coastal areas would be like every other American coastal areas for rich only,

[@jeremynieves108]

Exactly, the islands would be used for a select few and wouldn’t have the culture and much more that it had as pride, that is why Puerto Rico should be independent so it would have all things to be admired and be capable of creating a strong and stable country, people would enjoy its beaches and much more still, it would be a great experience for visitors around the world. 🇵🇷 💪 ❤️

[@MrRhomas913]

@@jeremynieves108 - Ideally yes, that said, Puerto Rico does not have much in the way of resources. They would have to rely on tourism...perhaps they could try to supplant Miami as the hub of the Caribbean and the US-Latin America gateway.

[@seirahefn1100]

The US doesnt knw what to do with puerto rico anymore.. If it becomes a 51st state it will weigh down on the expenditure of the US government and it would be the poorest of all states. And granting independence is also a tough decision, since the lands wouldnt be exploited at their best (trade benefits) and the citizenship, some ppl do not want to give away their privilege as citizens.. And the ease of movement from mainland to puerto rico. But the UN is still pushing for the sovereignty for puerto rico annually. Quite a perplexing situation the US is trying to turn a deaf ear to.

[@mariaiarroyo6070]

Say no to state

[@rustyshackelford8769]

WTF? English is not the official language of Puerto Rico.

[@solenyathepicklerick5787]

Actually the official languages of Puerto Rico are both Spanish and English. They even have curriculums for ESL. It is even a requisite for students to understand English in order to get into a College.

[@rustyshackelford8769]

I looked it up and you're sort of right. English and Spanish are the official languages of the executive branch of government in Puerto Rico, but Spanish is, and has been, the only official language of the entire Commonwealth judiciary system, despite a 1902 English-only language law.

[@sgshaday]

@@rustyshackelford8769 People often HAVE to speak both to a degree. Most young folks speak both fluently.

[@luisviera6347]

@@solenyathepicklerick5787 95% do not speak english I have lived in PR for 50+ years

[@luisviera6347]

@@sgshaday you low down lair ...embustero pendejo

[@grazzitdvram]

Its mostly because its unclear on whether its a liability to be cut loose or an asset to be embraced. I don't think anyone can answer what it will mean to make them a state or what it will mean to grant independence so until Puerto Ricans make noise in the media, online or marching on the capitol building, politicians will take the safe choice which is to do nothing. Honestly, I think Puerto Rico should be advanced towards being a state making it an organized incorporated territory but the more important territory to be addressed is america samoa which is considered an unorganized unincorporated territory which doesn't grant full citizenship but instead grants them status as nationals. I ramble, sorry but the whole business of the territories is a political minefield and so politicians just tend to avoid dealing with them.

[@franklugo6928]

Since they voted for statehood i say have 1 more vote this year. vote for either statehood or sovereignty, Puerto Rico deserves to have the choice of either Independence or statehood nothing more, nothing less.

[@Blue-jd8jf]

🇬🇹 🇸🇻 🇭🇳 🇳🇮 🇨🇷 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇪🇨 🇻🇪 🇨🇴 🇵🇾 🇨🇱 🇲🇽 🇧🇴 🇺🇾 🇦🇷 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 Puerto Rico is the only Hispanic culture never to gain independance, and probably never will

[@energysifu]

On the issue of statehood, Usanians where interested in the island since the early 1800’s. There proposals to buy it from Spain but where rejected. Even the separatist insurrection from that era was provoked by foreigners must probably by USA influence. It was probably on the minds of some at that time the annexation but being a rich Spanish culture with a strong language those plans where set aside.

[@jesusmanuelrivasbruno4242]

Im a native puerto rican and i say NO TO STATEHOOD🚫 and YES TO INDEPENDENCE ✅ 🇵🇷 PUERTO RICO LIBRE

[@rebelcharlie]

About the reported majority in favor of statehood, there were 2.351.158 registered voters, of which 1.827.021 voted and 834.191 voted for statehood, many chose not to answer that last question due to it being doctored to yield a non representative result, so only 44.61% of the voters that showed up to the polls actually opted for statehood. On June 11 there will be another plebiscite and there will be a boycott on that on too, so only those that favor statehood will go to the polls, we will see how they are going to manipulate those results this time.

[@yeseniarivera7776]

rebelcharlie sale outs to satin, now god will turn his bck on you"PR

[@rebelcharlie]

The results are in, a made up opposition representing status quo and the independence movement, that is why they got a 97% to make it seem more legit, but, only 23% attended the polls, which represents the true diehard pro statehood or estadistas, conversely 77% does not really want assimilation. A boycott was called because in the previous plebiscite the last question was a trick question and many of us decided to vote blank, which was not counted as a vote, so they claimed a 61.13% majority instead of the true 44.6%. These estadistas are professional liars, experts in demagogy, aided by the Cuban exile in the island. in 2012 there were 2,351,158 registered voters, 1,827,021 went to the polls, and only 834,191 persons, voted for statehood, that is only 34.24% of the electoral census, and 44.61% of the voters that voted, yet they still claim a 61.13% majority. Now we know their most fanatic followers are stupid, the 23%, down from 42%, but... Do they think that the majority of Americans are stupid too? Hmmmm! ¡Oh, mala mía! lo puse en ingles y la mayoria de los estadistas no hablan inglés. Oh well, Such Is Ilfe!

[@kosherpork3034]

If Puerto Rico became a state the U.S. would have to announce everything in both English and Spanish. It's not worth the trouble.

[@edwingonzalez3184]

we would lose our olimpic team our world cup team in baseball our miss universe its like we have sold our island

[@adrianchaves6622]

when your a Puerto Rican and many Americans hope we become state even tho you want to be independent

[@vtron9832]

I am from Puerto Rico, I think that it's good if it were independent because I could be a chance for it to be communist like Cuba. I think it's best to leave the wreck of a country like the US and become a communist country

[@user-hm8yu3gm8k]

I agree we should be independent 🇵🇷

[@markconrad9619]

give me liberty or give me death!...losing your sovereignty is like losing your soul. ask any indigenous person how they feel. ask any soldier or civilian who's ever fought for independence. ask anyone how they felt representing their nation on a global stage. You think any proud nation would give up their independence because of a "debt crisis" I personally would feel sad for PR if they give up on their independence because once you become a US state there's no turning back...forever

[@vtdelacy2074]

Not just a bailout, we should divert funds away from despots like Iran and Cuba and use them to assist this island territory belonging to us instead, that with that and our guidance they might become fiscally solvent and productive again. It would be an investment in a land that is already producing some of our talented bilingual American citizens.

[@conz8089]

Leave puedo Rico alone..

[@karimkarimous357]

What a good government could do is invest in Puerto Rico in producing medicine like it used to in the 90s, that way you lower the expenses and lower the prices of medicines and use it for a new universal social security program in the US to make it more affordable, that way Republicans shut up about Obamacar and Democrats shut up about Affordable Care Act, and Puerto Rico through a higher traffic on tax revenues can pay for their debt!

[@ericromero7189]

She should pronounce it correctly and not like Colonial rule does: not Porto Rico but Puerto Rico.

[@tiojab4504]

No because it will expose area 51

[@clarissapacker1537]

if Puerto Rico becomes a state well all have to get new flags & um where are they gonna put the 51st. star?

[@AmaniLindsey]

Puerto Rico economy is too bad to even think about becoming a state also over all PR has self determination. I think without the US and this is just my opinion PR would be worst off then it is now.

[@doodelay]

Puerto Rico for Alabama

[@luisviera6347]

the kkk for alabama

[@kingzay5158]

@@luisviera6347 stfu

[@amorestierraamadahermoso5810]

Yeah when pigs start flying

[@edwingonzalez3184]

I think a lot of people in Puerto rico are confuse as to how most Puerto Ricans live in the mainland we live in the same neighborhoods as African americans we go through the same poverty most latinos e blacks e native americans have it bad in the us

[@jess97724]

I live in the US & I say no

[@drcsep]

The USA congress has the moral and ethical obligation to respect and act upon the democratic decision from the Puerto Rican voters. Today, there is a plebiscite.We have waited since 1898... it's time to fix Puerto Rico status.

[@tonyruiz6551]

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. It became a U.S. territory in 1898, when it was acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War. With approximately 3.5 million residents, Puerto Rico is the most highly populated of all United States territories. People who are born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. ------------------- Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. The chief of state is the President of the United States of America. The head of government is an elected Governor. There are two legislative chambers: the House of Representatives

[@krey89]

3rd world country as a state? How can that go wrong?

[@gabrielruiz3622]

I dont mind being a state so long as they don't change our language, our language will always be spanish

[@markmoreiras7649]

we should let it be a state. alot of the debt is caused by it *not* being a state if it became one then it can declare bankruptcy and rebuild the economy. i may be bias as i have lots of family there and visit alot

[@zekigpr]

NO! it would be bad for both Puerto Rico and the United States. Sociologically Puerto Rico is a proud and resilient nation. A nation is a sociological entity, whether that nation is sovereign or not. PR is a nation on our own. Yet never have been a Sovereign Nation. The US federational system was originally design and develop over centuries to accept territories, to the west of theoriginal States, populated by Americans, that never had or developed a national identity of their own. The system was never designed to incorporate other nations, capture or subdue via military actions. Puerto Rico is such an "other" nation. IF The Nation of Puerto Rico were to be incorporated as a Federal State, we, Puerto Rico, would still be our own nation, with our own national identity, worldview and aspirations. We are a resilient nation. We will not be assimilate, but will work hard, by all means available [and I really mean ALL MEANS available] to create a national sovereign space for us to function as the nation we are. This struggle will result in a strong and smart secessionist movement. That movement already exist. As a State PR would be the secessionist state per excellence. Other sectors of Puerto Rico, would struggle to transform the federational system of the United States into a Free Association of Sovereign Nation States, where we, Puerto Rico, will have the level of Sovereignty that we, as a Nation, need to function properly Thus, as a State PR would be a State Sovereignty, Secessionist State, that will not stop till the Union is transform to our liking, as a Nation, or blows apart. Due to the cultural and political differences between Puerto Rico and the United States, the most likely result of this process is that the Union will blow apart, into a multitude of sovereign nations. Some big and powerful, others much smaller and insignificant. The American Political mentality is too rigid to change fast enough, The system will resist all efforts to transform it. And yet our pressure will be relentless, by all means necessary, till it, the Union, either changes or blows apart. This is a self fulfilling prophecy. The final destiny for Puerto Rico is to become a Sovereign, Independent Nation. You can either negotiate with the Puerto Rican leadership a Road Map toward PR Independence, now!; or risk growing political instability in the future. But whatever you do, never support statehood for PR. For if you do so, and PR becomes a Federal State,, within one generation, your Union will be no more. It will break apart. We will implode it, ideologically, from within.

[@MrChazasaurus88]

If I had to guess, puerto rico is in that limbo because right now it's right where the U.S. wants it. Available for resources but not responsible for it's care.

[@jasilen]

This has so many historical mistakes in its explanation of Puerto Rico's history. #partoftheproblem

[@badlongon525]

We wish the beautiful island of puerto rico the best and we stand behind all our brother puertorriqueños as they face the biggest crisis they ever had since the cession from Spain in 1898. Leo from Filipinas ❤️

[@kkotlarik]

didn't Puerto Ricans vote not to become a state last time it was up for vote

[@spyro1159]

Karen Kotlarik In both Puerto Rican plebiscites of 2012 and 2017, we voted for statehood. The results were: 2012: About 63% for statehood 2017: About 97% for statehood The reason for the big jump in results is mostly due to all the young kids being americanized through the internet when it became widespread throughout the island in the 2000s. Now that those kids were eligible to vote just in time for the 2017 plebiscite, they voted in great favor for statehood. But that's just my theory.

[@guajon1]

2012 Plebiscite Statehood: 802,179 votes Independence: 72,551 votes ELA Sovereign: 436,997 votes Blank: 468,478 Protested: 17,602 Total ballots voted, protested or blank = 1,797,807 Percent of statehood vote in relation to total ballot = 802,179 / 1,797,807 = 44.6% WHERE IS THE TRIUMPH OF STATEHOOH ?

[@guajon1]

Wrong theory.

[@zixiangchen5965]

Be careful Puerto Rican, you can decide to join the union, but you cannot decide to leave the union............

[@instantvanilla1884]

well, you can revolt and it would go horribly.

[@energysifu]

A lot of things happen when trying to teach historic events in just a couple of minutes. False impressions appear and half truths. Colombus might have discovered it, some scholars disagree, however it was Ponce de León the one in charge of its colonization. The tribes were warring between them and the Taino always thought of an alliance with the Spaniards for protection against these tribes. They were abused even though the Queen wanted them to be protected and even Columbus was arrested and convicted of violating this order. The main culprit for the population decay were diseases for which the Taino people did not had anti bodies. We just learned how a disease can easily take away a lot of lives like Covid-19, and in an age where the theory of disease propagation is well known. True that there was an uprising and there was a big battle in 1511 (my ancestors fight on both sides) but they were not all killed. Various censuses were made that included Taino population. At this time in history Taínos were more and could easily dispatch the minority of Spaniards. This minority would defend themselves as in any war situation. No doubt they were greedy and ambitious after all 16 century people. It begs the question ¿how would the Taino fare if the British were the conquerors instead of Spaniards? I think we all know the answer to that.

[@edwingonzalez3184]

no we are our own people I love the usa but what we need is to get rid of this curopion that comes with the government

[@edwinsanchez4420]

i love Puerto rico

[@yeseniarivera7776]

Edwin Sanchez wall it ant Pluto rico any more ,, sale out

[@donaldwolowski9484]

What a great idea, California wants to be its own country, so let them do it and then we make PR a state.

[@mariaiarroyo6070]

pobre in us

[@itzben87]

Peurto Ricans you are getting a really shitty deal by being a part of US Territory. Either be an American state and enjoy voting rights and financial benefits or go your separate ways and look for complete independence to carve your way to success.

[@wing0291]

we should be state bc every time the president call the military we are the first to answer the call not the usa and we help un every single war even the civil war in U.S.

[@peoplesrepublicofliberland5606]

puerto rico was actually british for 2 weeks and when they abandone the island they actually burn allí records

[@peoplesrepublicofliberland5606]

P.s. also dutch

[@Llegando_Tarde]

Puerto Rico has been very patient with the U.S since invasion in 1898 and they are majorly outstanding contributing citizens and have served in U.S military ever since