Can Puerto Rico become its own country?
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million residents are U.S. citizens. However, while subject to U.S. federal laws, island-based Puerto Ricans can’t vote in presidential elections and lack voting representation in Congress. As a U.S. territory, it is neither a state nor an independent country.
Why is Puerto Rico a territory?
In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland.
Can a Puerto Rican become US president?
After comparing the Con- gressional treatment of Puerto Rico as a territory and the way in which Congress conferred citizenship to Puerto Ricans, this section concludes that native-born citizens of Puerto Rico—as well as those native-born of other United States territories—are ineligible for the presidency.
Do Puerto Ricans pay taxes?
Residents of Puerto Rico are required to pay most types of federal taxes. Specifically, residents of Puerto Rico pay customs taxes, Federal commodity taxes, and all payroll taxes (also known as FICA taxes, which include to (a) Social Security, (b) Medicare, and Unemployment taxes).
Does Puerto Rico want independence from the United States?
Some people living in the states want independence for Puerto Rico. It is a romantic idea, and deeply appealing to people in the United States. However, it is unlikely that the Congress would ever force independence on the unwilling residents of Puerto Rico. Does Puerto Rico want statehood?
Should Puerto Rico remain a territory or state?
Puerto Rico can remain a territory. Puerto Rico can become an independent nation, with or without free association. Puerto Rico can become a state. “ Enhanced commonwealth ” is impossible under the constitution, and has been called “ mythical ” and “ not a viable option ” by the federal government.
Why was Puerto Rico established as a Commonwealth?
In 1952, the island’s governor at the time, Luis Muñoz Marín, proclaimed the establishment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with the idea that the island would have a relationship with the U.S., while still having some independence.
Why is Puerto Rico’s economy so dependent on Washington?
Puerto Rico’s economy is both limited by and dependent on Washington. Constrained by U.S. federal laws and regulations, the island’s economy lacks the structural capacity to thrive on its own. Puerto Rico has no control over its monetary policy and little control of its fiscal policy.