Will Puerto Rico soon become the 51st US state? | Reporters • FRANCE 24 English

[@TheDragonborn97]

In any case, either indipendence or statehood i hope that Puerto Rico will find prosperity and economical growth again in either way. 🇵🇷

[@HI-gj1qn]

many Puertorricans don’t want independence only 3 percent of the population that lives in a bubble.

[@vanlao6367]

@@mauropereira187 Nope, it's more about the thing that when Puerto Rico people realized that if they get statehood, then every Puerto Rican will be subjected to federal income tax, something that almost all American states are subjected to. It happened before, people on the island had a referendum to decide whether to push to become a state or remain territory, and a lot of people were enthusiastic about the statehood until they found out about all the federal taxes they had to pay.

[@willam779]

@@HI-gj1qn Only white pilgrims like yourself say that

[@toolguyslayer1]

@@willam779 you apparently need to study your history start with the difference between the US and America the difference between America and the Americas the first one is a Lulu

[@CameronCourts]

@@vanlao6367 Remember what Mitt Romney said about the 47 percent? Most Puerto Ricans will not owe much Federal income tax; if they owe any at all.

[@rafaelcalderon3681]

Honestly, it feels like a never-ending dispute.

[@vanlao6367]

It will end if the Puerto Rican people somehow agree that they are willing to give up the federal income tax exempt in order to get the statehood.

[@annieblumentritt9518]

@@vanlao6367 the us doesn't want to make puerto rico as a statehood but the us doesn't see anything to make puerto rico as a statehood.

[@Dangic23]

It's not a dispute. US Congress has never discussed it in 123 years.

[@Dangic23]

@@vanlao6367 It has nothing to do with anyone in PR. 100% in hands of US Congress.

[@toolguyslayer1]

This is a challenge for anyone who knows what the US is what is the US if you don't know you should probably start worrying

[@richport8146]

Puertoricans don't immigrate to the U.S we simply just move. We are U.S citizens 🇵🇷

[@HectorGonzalez-qv3dc]

Right, but even US officals, US politicans and the US media talk about "immigration" of puerto ricans...and that tells a lot after more than a 120 years! Fighting in there wars, paying double taxes while not be able to vote for the president and so on and on and on...i think we are secondclass citizens. ✊🇵🇷

[@rexscipio3344]

No you aren't.

[@rexscipio3344]

@albert einstien Says the white supremacist.

[@conveyor2]

@@rexscipio3344

[@willam779]

@@rexscipio3344 Get out of those yourself white nationalist

[@ricofico]

Stop saying immigrate! Puerto Ricans are citizens. You can not immigrate within your own country.

[@user-im9xq7fp5r]

...but their passports are not US citizen passports

[@ricofico]

@@user-im9xq7fp5r wrong. Their passports state they are US Citizens. They don't even need one for travel between the states and back. But some have and use it for ID purposes. I do traveling between the states when I fly.

[@doodlefiddle5373]

More reason for Puerto Rico to be a state asap

[@dylanshaffer2184]

@@user-im9xq7fp5r wrong, since they are U.S. citizens by birth, they have U.S. passports

[@thastayapongsak4422]

You can immigrate across any border. Like tech giants immigrating from LA and SF to Austin.

[@charlesramirez928]

The only thing that can help Puerto Rico is making it the 51st state while preserving its heritage and culture...and giving the people of Puerto Rico the respect and dignity they deserve...

[@realdeal8303]

But much love to my Puerto Rican family 👍🏾🤗

[@JoseOrtiz-zx8sf]

The states and Puerto Rico need independence from the Wall Street plantation.

[@RoyCyberPunk]

Amen!

[@CrazyAfry]

Well spoken

[@jc9109]

💯💯💯💯

[@jc9109]

Wallstreet ruined Latin America too! Lied, and cheated.

[@wrivera2656]

@King Crusader Domincan republic is been invaded by haitians, they are basically one nation already.

[@Lando-kx6so]

Catalonia has a higher chance of independence

[@bengu3987]

It really doesn’t..

[@stephenanderson1594]

Actually Scotland does lol

[@DavidJohnson-dp4vv]

Well.. The problem is puerto ricans continuously vote against independence.

[@JoeTheBroken]

Occitan, Venice, Flanders, Wales, Bavaria, or Galicia are more likely to become independent then Puerto Rico becoming a state

[@drinksnapple8997]

@@stephenanderson1594 Actually it does not.

[@diannefaith7866]

This news channel is very informative! I loved this report on Puerto Rico 🇵🇷! Congratulations!

[@fania_mania]

I’m a puertorican living in the island and a lot of puertoricans move to the states JUST because they think they’ll earn more money and/or follow the american dream. We know this is not always the case. That’s it. I personally wouldn’t move at all… we have everything we need plus Puerto Rico is a paradise! Who wouldn’t want to live here…

[@stanikzai1419]

I don't

[@tonyazzaro9593]

Not very many people apparently since no one is rushing to move there.

[@fania_mania]

@@tonyazzaro9593 a LOT of people move here because they have plenty of benefits plus the amazing weather…

[@fania_mania]

@@stanikzai1419 that’s okay

[@tonyazzaro9593]

@@fania_mania That's why more people leave than come in, right? Yeah, okay. Puerto Rico's population is in decline. I wonder why...

[@rodsapyta7059]

YES IT SHOULD,,, they are ,GREAT PPEOPLE ,,down there,HELP them..God Bless them all.

[@ssww3]

I would honestly love to see some help down their

[@morestuff64058]

Here is my Vote Statehood: NO Independence: Yes

[@whenisdinner2137]

@@morestuff64058 here's my vote Independence = no money for repairs from the United States = poor Statehood= local government, representation within the country, massively increased investment, overall raised standard of living.

[@morestuff64058]

@@whenisdinner2137 it will get some money repairs from countries that are allies of Puerto Rico

[@whenisdinner2137]

@@morestuff64058 like? South America? I'm sure they have plenty to spend. The EU? Yeah right

[@rafaelalbertotorres8070]

Doubt that anything related to statehood will happen, as it seems more financially beneficial to the U.S. and many U.S. based private business (large contributors of $) for PR to continue as a colony. Some Democrats would take the loss of revenue for Congressional seats but the Republican Senate would oppose it. I've been hearing the same story for all my life and not much has changed, as the people of PR continue with an unsustainable status quo. I hope one day the people of PR, through a bidding democratic process, are given the choice to decide their future.

[@ily1057]

This. ❤️

[@Eagle00pr]

You are 💯 correct!

[@Dog.soldier1950]

The benefit is for PR

[@wallyarroyo7939]

Why do journalists keep asking the foolish question? The answer is no, never. Puerto Rico is a Spanish culture. It cannot be assimilated into the USA. And why should IT become a state? For what purpose? We do not feel American here. We feel Puerto Rican.

[@matthewmann8969]

Either here or there Puerto Rico needs more prospering and higher reaches

[@saijotetteh7024]

Puerto Rico needs to be independent. They will do better than trying to be a part of USA. Rise up and build your land for no one is going to do it.

[@jeclipse129]

So will there be a common travel area then? Once they are severed from the US, they all have to go thru passport control and vice versa. What happens when the next hurricane comes? They’re all gonna move to Florida and New York still?

[@Steve-zc9ht]

No not really once they leave they won't have money anyway and if Puerto Ricans move here then they will be illegal and sent back

[@Steve-zc9ht]

@@jeclipse129 exactly they would be sent back without mercy

[@saijotetteh7024]

@@Steve-zc9ht Puerto Rico has oil and other minerals which hasn't been exploited yet.

[@jaysoreal9292]

Hey remember u guys are all on Native American land so don't forget where u came from

[@Venom1975-real]

Let's make this the 51st instead of Washington D.C.

[@IblewuponyourfaceIII]

Make Puerto Rico Spain again

[@g.g.1663]

With public health and universities for free ...

[@Meinan4370]

Says no one

[@Karifi]

Statehood is the best choice. No taxation without representation

[@efrainrodriguez4975]

Why no interview on pro independence sector? And the US invasion in 1898 that has controlled all our lives 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@pisceanboy13]

Because pro-independence supporters only make up 5% of the electorate. Just look at all the referendum resutls.

[@HI-gj1qn]

@@pisceanboy13 it is only 3 percent

[@pisceanboy13]

@@HI-gj1qn I rest my case.

[@yihuda7459]

Majority of them don’t want independence because,they will lose us citizenship and opportunities...the people r American citizens & they can move and get any jobs they want as long as they’re qualified...they can join police or military too ....if they’re independence,they will be another immigrants...

[@mfra959]

Puerto Rico Just Always Territory

[@andresvalentin6924]

Why do they say "immigration" when referring to Puerto Ricans moving to the states? They're U.S. citizens.

[@SaulGarcia-pr6mo]

People that emigrate from one place to another for better life becomes an imigrant

[@bhxsam]

Unless they are rich. Then we suddenly call them expats 😀

[@ninahndz5880]

When you move from one place to another, you migrate

[@alexm566]

internal immigration is still immigration

[@elmoknows7]

Racism and economic status

[@matthewmedina2189]

Never! We don’t want to be a state

[@yeetersnitzel6351]

exactly

[@jtbui2010]

We don't want you. 😂

[@yeetersnitzel6351]

@@jtbui2010 great, same

[@chillvibed]

@@jtbui2010 jokes on you 😂 the mainland u.s is a target to get nuked any day now. You gonna wish you was on an island 😂

[@thorpeaaron1110]

@@chillvibed You wish

[@charlesmartel2167]

USA already has its 51st state, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧!

[@dominationsrebellion6433]

😂 😂

[@HI-gj1qn]

i thought it was Israel

[@abrahamorellana9622]

I wish united Kingdom became 51th states of united states return back to Europe lol.

[@arolemaprarath3248]

Actually. US is fundamentally a British colony. We even speak their language and uses their Latin Alphabet version. British influence did NOT die out. It lives on in the US, Canada and other British colonies. The founding fathers were British(Both ancestry and in papers before the revolution), spoke English and so on.

[@arolemaprarath3248]

@@abrahamorellana9622 I don't think so. We are their colony. We speak their language and most of our cultures are rooted from Great Britain. US is fundamentally British.

[@edwardrivera1929]

Probably not , the Puerto Rican people have voted twice for statehood and congress and the senate has done nothing about it. They treat us like 3rd class citizens yet we are American citizens since 1898. Washington refuses to abolish the jones law and the Jim Craw act which has been keeping Puerto Rico in chains , to get a better life for their families many Puerto Ricans abandon the Island and come to the main land looking for a better future.

[@juanrosado8945]

NO THANK YOU!

[@harisadu8998]

Puerto Rico really should be an independent country rather than a state.

[@pisceanboy13]

Oh no, but where else am I gonna get my SNAP benefits, food stamps, Section 8 housing, Medicare, plus a Passport that actually gets me anywhere visa-free? Cause I seriously doubt a Dominican passport's gonna do you any good for travel.

[@mauropereira187]

The main reason is because of historical reasons

[@abrahamorellana9622]

Better off puerto rico become free states independence break the law of Jones act only way puerto rico will make a commercial trading to different countries nation without Jones act.

[@787VIVO]

Hell no

[@harisadu8998]

@@abrahamorellana9622 Maybe Puerto Rico can make a free association agreement with the US like Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau.

[@manuelorlandomartinez7591]

Stop confusing everyone.

[@Mypromiselive]

Your name is confusing; Good Choice Tho

[@lilflower54]

I feel mixed about Puerto Rico becoming a state. On the plus side, I think jobs would be better. However, costs of living, especially taxes, would be higher. On the downside, I think it would lose its culture as well. I wouldn’t be a fan of that at all. I’m Puerto Rican, and I’d hate to see my roots fall apart. If Puerto Rico just had better job opportunities, I think things would smooth over.

[@whenisdinner2137]

At the end of the day the standard of living will increase highly even though there are taxes. Taxes are unnecessary for any country and if they become part of the country they will also get a massive amount of investment from Americans. Also you say that culture would be destroyed but I don't really see that happening. Louisiana was created with French influence and still has that French influence. The Native American tribes still have a very large cultural impact in the United States. America is about a blending of all different cultures. I highly doubt that they would try to crush yours

[@josephcrespo8193]

Ask Hawaiians how they feel about being state50!

[@joselassalle4958]

It is doubtful that with statehood the Puerto Rican culture could be erased. We are talking about 500 years of Hispanic culture, something not that easy to erase. Québec spent way less time as a French colony before it was taken by the British, and it has been under Anglo/British influence for over 300 years and their French heritage and culture is still very strong.

[@sonnysantana5454]

angola belonged to Portugal

[@josercamino320]

Don’t forget that the light goes out every 3 days.

[@j.obrien4990]

I have rural place that has been off grid for 5 years I haven't had power outage in that time, at my office we close regularly during heat waves due to power outages, and this winter we were without power for a week followed by a huge bill for a week without service. (Welcome to Texas...)

[@conspiracyburger7516]

Trump gave Puerto Rico billions to upgrade the infrastructure. I’m sure it’ll just get embezzled and no one will be charged with a crime.

[@j.obrien4990]

@@conspiracyburger7516 The POTUS has limited budgeting powers, and the money comes from the US tax payer not "Trump". In 2017 the Congress allocated 60 billion in funds for Puerto Rico to pay for Hurricane damages, but only about 20 billion has actually been spent. Typically local governments have trouble spending that money quickly due to reporting requirements, and the time required to design and procure the work.

[@ninahndz5880]

That was not always the case

[@ninahndz5880]

@@j.obrien4990 and Puerto Ricans do pay federal taxes

[@alfredoortiz4865]

Puerto Rico should be independent.

[@sam06pr]

Very good reporting. Thank you for bringing this issue to your audience

[@gemox3225]

I remember there was this same dispute in the 1980s. I hope it gets resolved soon. But to be independent, Puerto Rico will definitely need more food production.

[@radrook2153]

The lack of enough food production is the result of the capitalistic system that took hold there once the USA arrived and farmland was turned into sugar plantations.

[@gabrielhuin]

I don’t think Puerto Rico will ever fully become a state.

[@radrook2153]

Why?

[@eicelandicchicken484]

@@radrook2153 he's probably an idiot

[@user-rl7cw9eg8e]

@@radrook2153 because the government won't approve

[@morestuff64058]

I completely disagree with it becoming a state. I completely agree with it becoming a independent nation

[@velvetrest4566]

It shouldn’t

[@brrrrrrelhelicopteroytefui5746]

Free Puerto Rico

[@Tebstechpodcast]

They are not allowed to trade with other countries, wow that is a bad deal

[@MultiBotijas]

Puerto Rico was invaded in 1898 by the United States during the Spanish- American war and subsequently became a possession of the United States. 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.

[@adineatha9766]

But geographically and linguistically closer to Latin America/Caribbean. It's basically a US colony.

[@Dangic23]

Birthright citizenship since 1940. Not 1917.

[@arolemaprarath3248]

@@adineatha9766 Ironic that US was a colony of Britain too.

[@MultiBotijas]

@@Dangic23 On March 2, 1917, Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, under which Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory and Puerto Ricans were granted statutory citizenship, meaning that citizenship was granted by an act of Congress and not by the Constitution (thus it was not guaranteed by the Constitution)

[@Dangic23]

@@MultiBotijas Became a territory in 1898. 1917 Jones Act granted US citizenship. 1940 Nationality Act made being born in PR equal to being born on US mainland. 1917 can be taken away. 1940 can not. Big difference.

[@mireyamanso6707]

Amazed this new is on International News. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@gs-nq6mw]

If you guys wants to be colonized by US,all you need to do is tell them you found oil in your lands,they will send the CIA to spend millions on propaganda and kill people who are against it until PR turns into a US state

[@ssww3]

As a American and watching this I would love to see the U.S. come help with jobs and stuff over their but first the U.S. needs a real president not a fraud

[@kenchan4267]

@@ssww3 biden is a real president. Donald the clown is the fraud president!

[@ssww3]

@@kenchan4267 trump blame card pulled

[@josephbeltran2261]

Of course we on the news because it's bad news

[@enriquehidalgo630]

The excuses are endless. The main 3 political parties over there do not have any solid economic plan. Their plan is to receive more federal dollars, to create more dependency on government.

[@joshhansen8237]

They already receive a lot of aid....all statehood would do is give them senators/representatives and make their citizens pay income taxes.

[@cgr_politica]

@@joshhansen8237 It would also let us trade with other countries.

[@radrook2153]

@@joshhansen8237 You seem to consider taxation without representation OK. You also seem to feel that colonialism and lack of self-determination is OK. Strange since these things are internationally condemned by the United Nations.

[@danielblue4460]

The economic situation of Puerto Rico is ak8n to that of Argentina. It is hopeless. 😣😣

[@JorgeGonzalez-gu7ve]

@Fuckdasociety 3 fo you understand economics dude? Because raising the minimum wage has raised the unemployment rate and the cost of living

[@JorgeGonzalez-gu7ve]

@Fuckdasociety 3 what we really need is better jobs oportunities

[@justhuman3886]

Puerto Rico should become state. It will benefit them economically.

[@waitandlisten15]

Puerto Ricans don’t ‘immigrate’ to the United States they simply move. Puerto Ricans are US citizens.

[@Moribus_Artibus]

Give it back to Spain. The US took PR in a ridiculous war

[@justinus8608]

Ok then let's give the southwest states to Mexico, let's grant independence to Hawaii and give back Alaska to Russia, or how about the east coast becoming a British colony again, how about we give Louisiana back to France or give Guam and Florida back to Spain?!

[@Moribus_Artibus]

@@justinus8608 Those are already states, Puerto Rico doesnt have much sovereignty. Besides, Im pretty sure the majority of Puerto Ricans would rather be governed by the Spanish crown than by Washington DC. We can sell it to them and pay off more of our debts. We still have Virgin Islands

[@justinus8608]

@@Moribus_Artibus nope, we have voted for statehood, a mayority here wants statehood so don't talk if you don't know shit about what's going on

[@gannon3816]

Puerto Rico needs independence. It is time for the US colonial rule to end. Same goes for all other US colonies & Hawaii.

[@vicvega4415]

Lmaoooo

[@gannon3816]

@@vicvega4415 Laugh all you want, colonizer. The will of the people will prevail.

[@TombOfFangs]

@@gannon3816 POS Communist

[@pisceanboy13]

Just look up all the referendum results the past 40 years and you'll see independence is social suicide to most Puerto Ricans.

[@gannon3816]

@@pisceanboy13 That's bc wall street's debt that was imposed on Puerto Rico holds the nation back from future success. This debt is another one of the US tools to continue colonizing Boricua.

[@jamesoconnor7143]

Comment by Carmencita: No, I think Puerto Rico has a better chance of being reinstated as a Province of Spain, than of becoming a state of the Union.

[@tregua24]

Who would of thought that DR 🇩🇴 would have a more efficient electrical power grid than PR? Or better overall infrastructures.

[@egom1993]

🇩🇴 is in a way better economic state than Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 I still don’t know why Dominicans even risk their life to go to an island that is abandoned basically

[@xlibshua]

@@egom1993 poverty

[@GVNDHIMEDIA]

@@egom1993 most risk their life in order to get to PR and use it as a trampoline to get to the USA specifically New York.

[@allenderobles8539]

@@egom1993 the final destination is usa

[@allenderobles8539]

@@xlibshua the Dominican take puerto rico like bridge to USA

[@melvinmorales1452]

we don´t want to become a state. We are fine the way we are. we just need to pay out debt and stop the corruption.

[@CB-ob5fr]

THIS. You have all the benefits being part of the US but dont have to pay federal income tax. Voting rights are a joke anyways

[@gabrielmora5092]

no, we arent fine as we are at all. SI queremos arreglar nuestros problemas politicos y economicos es estadidad o independencia. El ELA es un fracaso

[@Utubedeletescomments]

You don't speak for all of us so don't act like you do.

[@radrook2153]

Not an easy task since corruption is a deeply-ingrained island cultural trait that perpetuates itself via providing material gain for the participants. Also, the last referendum does show that there is a stronger propensity now for statehood than there was before. However, whether the USA Congress will honor that petition is an entirely different matter. One thing is for sure, if Trumpians once again gain control, hell will freeze over first before statehood is granted.

[@MrDude826]

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!!

[@edwingonzalez7827]

Yes puerto rico state 51 now

[@jcmarti845]

Puerto Rican have USA passport so they can travel freely to the mainland

[@Dangic23]

Don't need a passport to do that.

[@jtbui2010]

But without the representation or privileges that the main-landers enjoy. 😂

[@Asantanapr1983]

@@jtbui2010 yes. They just move to a state and done. They could even run to the presidency

[@makemap]

If this happens two things are going to go wrong. 1. The world would be fking pissed off and start banning US citizens from living & owning things in countries so how US citizen cans just live in a different country and vote merge into US. Well be seen like that days British Empire owns Canada. 2. PR will lose the separate Government an d have to deal with US gov meaning following Americans laws only. Out of UN you go. When you guys are pissed off your in for a huge riots control like how American police does to its own citizens. Even US military will start doing martial law. You will be forced to join wars US gets involved in like Mercs. Just two of the negatives here.

[@radrook2153]

Wrong! Puerto Ricans don't need a passport to travel in the USA or from the USA to the island and back. I have done so several times and never needed a passport, as have many of my family members.

[@morewi]

They should stop stealing the money that's given to them

[@Unknownhumans45]

*The Goverment

[@mariatorreslopez]

No! Give us independence

[@Telluwide]

Sure, so Puerto Rico can become just another piss poor caribbean island like its neighbors. You think Puerto Rico has it hard now, wait to see it if it became independent. Puerto Rico needs to take advantage of its unique tax status, its tourism possibilities and US citizen status for its citizens. Their best option would be to either become a State or remain in its current status and make the most out of it..... I'm so tired of hearing Puerto Ricans claim how tough they have it. Remittances alone from those who work in the continental US should make Puerto Rico rich.....

[@willam779]

@@Telluwide Get over yourself white nationalist

[@arolemaprarath3248]

@@Telluwide Ok British

[@emmanuelcaceres3360]

@@Telluwide the answer is no damn it statehood is not for Puerto Rico

[@Kito018]

Independence!!!!!! 🇵🇷💪🏻

[@thisisrivera1]

That's what I said. We waste billions of dollars there instead of in the U.S. Let them go.

[@mauropereira187]

Ok

[@abrahamorellana9622]

Is time puerto rico become independent nation the last Latin American and join the rest of Latin America.

[@jlm3744]

Agreed!!🇵🇷✊🏼

[@newkat3731]

Status quo! 🇺🇸

[@Ompyrium]

I am Puertorican and my personal opinion is NO

[@ClementePR21]

As a Puerto Rican i support independence.

[@jlm3744]

Me too brother!!!✊🏼🇵🇷

[@gravity6729]

I stand with you. Sending support here from Filipinas 🇵🇭

[@HectorGonzalez-qv3dc]

✊its the only way...a free, sovereign and independent country🇵🇷 Hopefully one day

[@jlm3744]

@@HectorGonzalez-qv3dc Yes Libre Puerto Rico 🇵🇷✊🏼

[@thorpeaaron1110]

@@jlm3744 Never

[@vvolfbelorven7084]

As a Panamanian who saw the transition after the US left the Panama Canal Zone and we Panamanians regained sovereignty over the Panama Canal, I think Puertorricans would be better off by becoming independent and defining its own path towards whatever destiny they want. Look at Panama 🇵🇦 . We became one of the most dynamic economies in LatAm only after the Americans left. Dont become 51st. Become 1st in whatever you want PR 🇵🇷 Btw, going to Culebra in a couple of weeks!

[@pisceanboy13]

That'd be true, if only most Puerto Ricans had the same work ethic as Panamanians. Also being part of America has its perks. You get to live anywhere across the 50 states ,DC, and other 4 territories. You also don't get to become America's puppet state like Colombia, Panama under Noriega, or Nicaragua during the Cold War and end up with guerrillas and dictatorships. So case in point, we're better off being Americans. He dicho, Caso Cerrado.

[@mauropereira187]

@@pisceanboy13 no gracias

[@Utubedeletescomments]

Go to Vieques

[@radrook2153]

Any Puerto Rican on the island who goes around saying such a thing risks getting physically attacked by the USA loyalist fanatics.

[@vvolfbelorven7084]

@Dan True, but it has a natural resource: its strategic position in the Caribbean. The Gateway between America and Europe We Panamanians see our position as a natural resource, as such we exploited it as a major transit and connection point: Look at our ports, airport, and of course expanded canal. I think Puerto Rico shares this similar trait and could also take full advantage of it. If it wanted...

[@kpopempire1475]

Decades ago the voting choices were statehood, independence, or the status quo (commonwealth). The islanders chose the status quo. The recent election choices were only statehood or independence, so most of the people didn't vote at all or chose neither.

[@Dangic23]

This vote was not valid. And no votes have ever been valid. US Congress does not need a vote in PR to decide what to do with PR.

[@alejandrobendana8712]

There’s a flaw in the facts however. It’s not 52% of Puerto Ricans that want statehood. It’s 52% of the 54% of registered voters that voted in the 2020 elections. So actually, only about 660,000 of more 2.3 million registered voters voted pro-statehood or 29% of the eligible voting population. Please stop falsifying this premise that we want statehood. Actually, the newer generations, as well as many professionals want independence for our island because we know we have the capacity to be the most developed in the Caribbean.

[@Rick16.7]

I don't think they will because us has done nothing for Puerto Rico

[@robertofernandez4455]

Really? Do You know how many millions of Dollars are sent anually to PR from the US. Without that the economy would have been way way waaaayyyyyyy worse.

[@stevep5408]

Time for the US to have a binding referendum! State or independent doesn't matter to me but the issue should be settled.

[@vanlao6367]

They had the referndum about this before, and the Puerto Rican voted no. The reason ? Right now as a territory, most people live on the island don't have to pay the required federal income tax, but if they officially become a state, then they will say bye-bye to that federal tax exemption. Now you can be the best politician in the world, but you have to be willing to risk your career and even your life to convince the people that they have to pay more of their tax just to have that politician represent them.

[@radrook2153]

Doesn't matter? Strange! Such a distinction does matter to people of all other nations.

[@hjsegui]

@@vanlao6367 @van lao Actually the Yes won statehood more than once. Close margin. But it was Pro-statehood. The federal tax won't be a problem. Cause they won't pay taxes for years. The salaries are so low and poorly structured employments.

[@hjsegui]

@@vanlao6367 The issue is not only that PR don't want to pay taxes. Os the fact that we are a colony of the United States to play with. We tried to get independence before. We were bombed. So we can't have freedom or equal rights.

[@nataliasoto0425]

If Independence wins, there will be a massive exodus of Puertoricans in the US.

[@jonathanalveriodegarcia1219]

🇵🇷 ¡VIVA PUERTO RICO LIBRE! 🇵🇷

[@yeetersnitzel6351]

facts

[@justinus8608]

If you like that then good, but i don't think it's viable for or to become a "independent nation"

[@ljsmooth69]

That milk cost us the same damn price that half a gallon or that quart excuse me not half a gallon but that quart of milk cost the same price here as it does there buddies don't be mistaken.

[@markgodfrey6347]

I live here in PR and I do not know where this guy shops,but a can of Goya Red Kidney beans at my store is 89cents not $3.19. I just checked prices in Colorado, where I moved from, about the same. The milk here comes from PR so is not shipped in. One sided story. I find you can slant a story any direction.

[@unclerobby]

American government response during Puerto Rico's Crisis Crickets.

[@richlopez4466]

I have lots of family and friends in Puerto Rico and they received tons of aid.The mayor of got caught hoarding tons of supplies and it made Puerto Ricans furious.She was later under an FBI investigation for that and other corruption

[@angeljimenes8691]

It’s already been 5 years they respond… They don’t care what happens to Puerto Rico at the beginning. I feel like they using the crisis for show to get their voters back after the disappointment promises.

[@suntzu05]

Statehood is like giving away your house for free so that you can have the right to vote for who gets to manage it. Once you give up your birthright you can't get it back.

[@HI-gj1qn]

u don’t live in the Island, there is only 3 percent for independence, the the rest is split between for statehood and keeping territory status

[@suntzu05]

@@HI-gj1qn I lived in the island and will be moving back this year. That doesn't change that fact that statehood doesn't benefit the people of Puerto Rico. Also show me how statehood has helped the native Hawaiians and Alaskans? I didn't and now they are the minorites in what we once there's. They can't get it back.

[@mauropereira187]

@@HI-gj1qn do YOU live on the island? Also where are you getting your info?

[@HI-gj1qn]

@@mauropereira187 i am from Rio Piedras

[@mauropereira187]

@@HI-gj1qn yeah but why do you want this? Legit curious, also sorry for earlier.

[@Dweller415]

Puerto Ricans’ should be the ones to decide their future. Territory, State or Independence.

[@lear60man]

It takes two to dance. They want the US to absorb their massive debt without any consideration.

[@ssww3]

Gotta show China that we are more powerful knowing our polititions are in China's pockets

[@emilygilbert5781]

Give Puerto Rico back to Spain

[@robertofernandez4455]

Goodnight! Nobody invited Spain to this conversation. LOL!

[@hectornegron9155]

To answer the question without watching the video...NOT IN A MILLION YEARS.

[@dplacers]

The decision for Puerto Rico to become the 51st U.S. state has to come from the Puerto Ricans first. No question, based on a number of local democratic elections organized by Puerto Ricans over the decades, that independence is overwhelmingly rejected by the population. But a decision to fully integrate into the United States is not so clear. The current status, the commonwealth, was translated to Spanish by the party promoting it back in 1952 as a "free-associated state", giving islanders the idea that they are a free country and the association with the United States gave them U.S. citizenship. This concept was sold to Puerto Ricans as the best of both worlds. The problem is that such definition does not fit the constitution of the United States. Puerto Rico only has two choices to be removed from being a territory under the power of the U.S. congress, either to become its own nation and nationality or join the union as another state with all the benefits and obligations of U.S. citizens. About half of the population believe in the myth created in 1952, hoping that one day their illusion will come true. Not that the U.S. congress has been silent on this issue. On October 4, 1990, the Committe of Resources of the House of Representatives held a hearing to review the status defined by the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) and vote on it. The PDP was the party that originally defined commonwealth as 'free-associated state' and this time they called it "enhanced commonwealth" with more autonomy for Puerto Rico, outside of the territorial clause but remaining U.S. citizens. I summarize the findings of the committee with this statement from Mr. Dick Thornburgh, former attorney general of the United States, "Congress has no power to implement this formula or any formula on the central elements of this proposal because it defines a status that is not available under the U.S. Constitution." Representative Dale Kildee of Michigan said in the hearing, "I think this proposal is legal fiction, at best, and a hoax, at worst." Thirty years later and several other elections on status, Puerto Ricans don't yet make a decisive decision to vote on the only two real choices, state or independence, because about half of them still hold believe to a fantasy.

[@steveodavis9486]

Puerto Ricans have a difficult choice. Commonwealth status is just colonialim,independence would make them another 3rd world nation. Statehood would grant them full rights as Americans which seems the most viable option.

[@jasoncordial4730]

I am for Puerto Rico becoming a state, getting full power in the government like it should.

[@charliebarton]

The Puerto Ricans voted again and again not to become a state. They then went bankrupt and immediately said that they were being mistreated because they weren't a state. Funny how that worked out. The Puerto Rican political parties there didn't want to become a state because they were so corrupt that statehood would mean the end of their game. I blame Woodrow Wilson.

[@jasoncordial4730]

Puerto Rico as a territory gets representation, but not full power as a state. Every time a vote to make it a state come up it is them that shoot it down first. I want them.

[@Gglsucksbigballz]

I’d rather see Taiwan become the 51st state.

[@Ferreira0504]

Taiwan likes its universal healthcare too much to become a part of the US. They would sooner become a Japanese Prefecture.

[@turuus5215]

Every less prosperous countries want to join US.

[@willam779]

Don’t worry the feelings mutual white nationalist Pilgrim

[@jonathanemslander6896]

I feel like you’re just wanting a rise out of people I think you meant you don’t care either way! It’s 👌🏻 I’ll help you say what you mean.

[@ishmaelrosas7051]

Nombre oficial Republica de Puerto Rico,moneda oficial peso puertoriqueno idioma oficial espanol

[@eitelsanchez-velez5985]

Todavía los PNP quieren vender la misma basura.

[@willam779]

This is the worst governor ever

[@franciscopagan3255]

Yes! Statehood wins three plebiscites. We want to be a state!🇺🇸🇵🇷⭐️💫

[@tinacarrasco278]

You know it’s really sad is AOC said that her grandmother needed money to fix the roof in her house because AOC sad trump didn’t send any money but Trump sent over millions of dollars to Puerto Rico to help and I don’t know if it was like the governor or some thing they took all the money it AOC‘s a millionaire why is it that her grandmothers house has a roof problem with someone making her amount of money what she can’t help her grandmother people reached out and made over $104,000 donations and the AOC herself rejected it they raised it not just for her grandmother but for the community of Puerto Rico and she rejected it why is what I wanna know why didn’t she allow the money to go to the community that really needs it

[@radrook2153]

You need to ask her about her antics.

[@wilmerpalacios8088]

So stop getting help from USA if ya want freedom Puerto Rico got everything..... Honduras presente

[@whenisdinner2137]

He has a very good point about Arizona, New Mexico and Florida. Looking at them before and after becoming a state is almost like looking at two different world.

[@franciscojoseortiz8364]

Puerto Rico has chosen statehood ,is our choice,equality

[@radrook2153]

The details concerning the referendum doesn't show that the vast majority feels as you describe. The margin was very close, and the reason for that was that most of those who are against statehood chose not to participate.

[@danielsoto7962]

No.

[@willam779]

Nunca!!!

[@caymmirodriguez894]

Give is freedom 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@thorpeaaron1110]

No

[@caymmirodriguez894]

I know! Why freedom right?

[@emmanuelcaceres3360]

@@thorpeaaron1110Yes

[@andresvalentin6924]

Fun fact! Puerto Rico is the world's oldest colony. Since the time Juan Ponce de Leon was the governor. OVER 500 YEARS AGO! The only former Spanish colony in Latin America to never gain independence.

[@johnrodz4892]

in Puerto Rico, politic its a NEVER EVER END! DISCUTION!.... we talk about politic every day and every hour...

[@assassinwizardxd3643]

Polititians of PR are bunch of fuckers. They never gave food for help when the hurricane came. They kept secret

[@sftrick]

I think independence would probably be a disaster. The folks on the island would lose their US citizenship and they would probably see a huge exodus of folks to the mainland (even more than now) in order to retain their citizenship and right to live and work in the US. The last thing PR needs is for even more people to flee for the mainland.

[@xlibshua]

Not really since they’ll get a choice wether to keep their citizenship or not

[@caymmirodriguez894]

Ojalá

[@chinchanchou]

Puerto rico have potential not expand for USA

[@chinchanchou]

Prefer come back spain

[@actionbros22]

Where are the mainland shops that sell milk for $1.25?!?!

[@radrook2153]

How much are you paying in PR?

[@anaperez4942]

Noooo, please

[@angelusavila3832]

Yes Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🇺🇸one

[@morestuff64058]

Statehood: NO!!! Independence: YES

[@morestuff64058]

@maciej szifer More like: Independence: Yes

[@morestuff64058]

@maciej szifer I Hate statehood

[@gstarr3355]

I read this as “Puerto Rico will soon become 51st state” and was so surprised

[@Onlycyclist]

😂😂

[@rosarivera2360]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@willam779]

😂😂😂

[@chinchanchou]

Never NUNCA

[@pr51ststateoftheusa67]

It will.

[@1brickrow]

The current governor was elected by 33% of voters. He has no majority mandate. The statehood consultation of 51% support was not a legitimate consult due to the way the question was posed. The is a number of Puerto Ricans that would like to see Puerto Rico status as it was originally prior to 1898; an autonomous province of Spain.

[@edwinpadilla6093]

We the people of the state of puerto rico have no other choice we need to either become state or become another Cuba or Venezuela and please 🙏 we don't want any deals like the one given to Hong Kong by the British 100 years democracy and now communists. Give us what you promise when we move away from Spain. GIVE US STATE 51 !

[@eRafaell]

We already voted, we want statehood and we want it now!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@chinchanchou]

No puerto rico is independiente or parte of spain... we have own culture, not speak inglés here

[@eRafaell]

@@chinchanchou well if that is what you want you can move to Spain or to Cuba or Venezuela 🤷‍♂️

[@chinchanchou]

@@eRafaell spain is the 8 econmia more big i the World IGNORANT AND THE MOTHER COUNTRY, MORE RICH THAN GRINGOLANDIA... NEED COME BACK TO SPAIN ASSFUL, GRINGOLANDIA IS RACISTAS AMD NO RESPECT THE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN THE ISLAND

[@flexx7543]

For the rest of Latin Americans...Puerto Ricans baffle us with this odd talk of being a "commonwealth" (colony), or becoming a U.S. state...some even want to get annexed back to Spain! It's odd PR surrounded by other Latin people who love their countries' independence despite everything...it's hard to comprehend their reasoning based on the premise that "an independent PR would sink"...well, isn't PR doing badly enough already while tied and bound by their current status?

[@thorpeaaron1110]

@Tiefkühlen You wouldn't last as a nation the grass isn't always greener on the other side

[@YUCAYEQUE]

Know that Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States in 1898 which is nothing more than a transfer. Grito de lares was 30 years earlier and was a far cry from the state of the Spanish American war. Puerto Rico never fought for independence from Spain.

[@YUCAYEQUE]

The last two possessions of Spain that were Spanish speaking was Cuba and Puerto Rico. Two islands very connected to their Spanish roots. Many of the other nations with significant indigenous populations clashed over land with criollo elites and not to mention peninsulares fighting against the Criollos so the comparison to Puerto Rico with independent nations is not fair. PR has never seen a battlefield unlike Gran Colombia and others

[@flexx7543]

@@YUCAYEQUE Nonsense. Even when Cuba struggled much longer for independence, Cubans had a very strong sense of identity and bravely fought the Spanish for independence. Puerto Ricans were caught in the Spanish-American War without making as much progress in their struggle for independence. This longing for returning to Spain as colony is ludricous.

[@Meinan4370]

They would do even worse. Many Puerto Ricans are fine with this status quo. Many are moving to the mainland to work which is easy since they are American citizens. puerto rico is relatively wealthy compared to other Caribbean countries

[@dgrullon9596]

Puerto Rico can become a much better place with Independence. It will take more work than any route but it can prosper a lot more from independence.

[@pr51ststateoftheusa67]

NO.

[@s5r581]

No

[@ronin94pr]

At one point i would've been against you, but now in 2022 i would like to see a free Puerto Rico with our doors open to the world and being able to trade with other countries without the US looking over us

[@pr51ststateoftheusa67]

@@ronin94pr Never gonna happen

[@dannydonnelly8198]

Most Americans wanted Puerto Rico to become a state in the 1990's but Puerto Ricans didn't want to pay US federal taxes as is require by ever US citizen living in a US state. The only time the population of Puerto Rico supports statehood is when their economy is suffering.

[@realsetokaibaja5111]

Hellllllllll Noooooooo!

[@realsetokaibaja5111]

@AMERICAAA FreeWorld nope...there are way too many SCAMS that we don't need from the U.S..HINT HINT

[@joshthepatriot1869]

PR dosnt want to become a state niether do thr people who livr there

[@playerplay6142]

Totally agree

[@martysmith5260]

The Governor said he wants to become a state which retains its language and culture. That is a deal killer. He wants all the benefits of being a state, but he wants to become the "Quebec" of the US. That is a "No Go."

[@jefflewis4]

@@martysmith5260 Pfft, Quebec is Canada's 2nd largest province it has 23% of Canada's population, 15% of its land mass. PR is small 100 mile long island with 3 million people its less than 1% of the US population. PR will never have anywhere near the impact Quebec has.

[@martysmith5260]

@@jefflewis4 Too many Puerto Ricans do not want statehood. The voting shows a small majority want statehood. It should be an overwhelming majority who want it, and that is not the case. Too many people forced into a situation they don't want is a bad idea. Remember: It was Puerto Rican separatists who tried to assassinate Pres. TRUMAN, killing one of his guards before being stopped. Furthermore, the Governors statement won't get him many allies in Congress who have the final vote. Becoming a state means you want to accept American laws and culture, and ENGLISH. You can't say you want to pick and choose. Puerto Rico is in no position to dictate terms for statehood. His main goal seems to become a state so he can file bankruptcy. That was a damning statement. US Taxpayers won't appreciate that at all.

[@jefflewis4]

@@martysmith5260 Only a simple majority is needed to pass the referendum. This is what was required for the previous 37 states admission to the Union. It does not seem right or proper to hold PR to a higher standard of admission than it was for the other states. When New Mexico became a state the majority of its residents spoke spanish. Same for Louisiana most of its residents of at the time spoke French, not English. Half of Pennsylvania spoke German when they were admitted into the union. There is no requirement about adoption English for admission into the Union for either of these states. Louisiana used French as its primary language in its courts and legislature in its first 100 years as a state. Using the example of of these other states it would seem more likely than not despite what this Governor wants if PR becomes a state English usage will become more prevalent.

[@viyau]

Using Hawaii as an example if what a state of Puerto Rico is interesting. Hawaiian culture is extremely low and their customs and way of life damaged. It is extremely expensive to live there and the locals can barely afford to live in their land.

[@rconn4501]

I hope 🇵🇷 remains independent and allowed to actually control their agricultural land & economy... Same issue as Hawaii, India, Mexico, etc... 💪🏾😎🤙🏾

[@Benrurrc]

Hawaii is a state of the US lol

[@rconn4501]

@@Benrurrc I'm talking in regards to agriculture. India and Mexico aren't becoming a US state, any time soon...

[@eugeniarodriguez9160]

You are currently a colony with a false sense of autonomy. We are not independent yet. The colony is profitable so independence is a hard long road.

[@edwinpadilla6093]

And Hawaii is doing better with all the freedom it gained from are constitution in US OF A !!!

[@rconn4501]

@@eugeniarodriguez9160 PR is a tiny island under U.S. territory. Have you heard about the US Military? Like any other entity, once power is obtained, relinquishing said power usually doesn't happen. Human nature is such that we strive for power (land, agriculture, energy, taxes infrastructure, education, communication, etc) instead of happiness & peace for humanity. THERE'S MORE THAN ENOUGH FOOD & MONEY TO FEED THE PLANET. But we all want more for us instead...

[@DaxL_net]

The more I look at this video the more I get an image of an island full of old people. There's nothing going on at least on this video. All are retired people it seems

[@johnwayne2407]

You're statement is correct.👍

[@jimmorrison3715]

My understanding is Puerto Rican's don't want to be apart of the U.S. Puerto Rico used to supply 50% of all pharmaceuticals to the world until Obama put an end to that and now they're getting an influx of sec offenders from the states hiding out there due to less strict laws.

[@albertomendoza5142]

Puerto rico is a island. Brokenness. Overpopulation. A culture off welfare. Gambamgers. Rules. No lights. Huracans. Low education. Welfare. Desperado