There are only two real options for Puerto Rico, if the people of Puerto Rico do not want to continue as a territory.  The passage of HR8393, the Puerto Rico Status Act, called for a non-territorial permanent political status, so that question should be considered settled. One possible option is statehood: joining the Union as the 51st state. The other is independence, with or without a treaty alliance known as free association, which either party can end in favor of unallied independence for Puerto Rico.
Free association
There are hundreds of large and small independent nations in the world, and there are three in free association with the United States:
- Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
- The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)
- The Republic of Palau
The residents of these nations never were and never will be citizens of the United States. That would be incompatible with the right of each island nation as well as the U.S. to end the alliance in favor of independence. Also, while U.S. law allows dual citizenship to exist, the U.S. has never recognized or created dual citizenship for its citizens by operation of U.S. laws. If Puerto Rico becomes a sovereign nation, acquisition of U.S. citizenship based on birth there will end, U.S. citizenship acquired by birth in the territory will not be passed to children born in Puerto Rico, and if Congress follows historic precedent a choice will be offered to those born in the territory between either Puerto Rican citizenship or U.S. citizenship, but not both.
U.S. citizenship
We often hear that Puerto Rico won’t accept statehood because of the possibility of losing the Miss Universe competition (which may or may not be the case). Will Puerto Rico accept independence when it means losing U.S. citizenship?
Right now, Puerto Ricans can travel freely between Puerto Rico and all 50 states. Nationhood with a treaty of free association might allow visa waivers for travel, at least for a transition period.  Independence could include a treaty allowing free travel. But with more people of Puerto Rican heritage living on the mainland than on the Island, problems of family separation could arise for Puerto Ricans.
Free association treaties with visa waivers for travel do not prevent exclusion or deportation from the U.S. for reasons such as crimes, threats to public health, or economic distress resulting in the need for public assistance. Independence will undoubtedly allow both Puerto Rico and the United States to determine their own laws regarding immigration and citizenship.
It is also possible that U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico who live in the states could have a different choice for citizenship from those who live in Puerto Rico.
None of these questions can be settled before a referendum or before Puerto Rico becomes a freely associated republic or an independent nation. Treaties would be negotiated and can be changed over time. The Philippines had agreements with the U.S. before they became independent, and the details of those agreements changed after independence. The current compacts of free association expire in the next year or two and have not yet been renegotiated. Free association always includes chances of change.
U.S. citizenship is only secure under statehood.
Patriotic U.S. citizens
The people of Puerto Rico have demonstrated in so many ways that they are patriotic U.S. citizens. It might be emotionally difficult for many individuals to lose that citizenship. The PuertoRicoUSA website has collected a number of quotes from political leaders past and present demonstrating this:
- Luis Muñoz Rivera, May 5, 1916: “My country unanimously requested U.S. citizenship many times. It requested it under the promises of General Miles when he disembarked in Ponce. Give us statehood and we would welcome your glorious citizenship for us and our children.”
- Luis Muñoz Marin, July 17, 1951, Barranquitas: “What we have to guard against in this world we live in is not to confuse love for our patria (pueblo) with small, futile and naive concepts of nationalionalism and national state.”
-  Luis Muñoz Marin, July 25, 1967, on the July 25th celebration: “There should be no doubt about our dedication to permanent union and our purpose of enriching the meaning of American citizenship, not only for Puerto Rico, but to all our fellow citizens of the United States, for their prestige in America and in the World.”
- Anibal Acevedo Vila, June 23, 1998: U. S. Senate, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings on sovereignty under S. 472: “We should not be forced to give up our children’s U.S. citizenship so that we can get a fuller measure of self-government.”
- Sila Maria Calderon, Caribbean Business, December 3, 1998:
“I have never felt like a second-class citizen. I consider myself a U.S. citizen. I appreciate and treasure my U.S. citizenship. I would never renounce or consider losing that citizenship. I want my children and their children to always have it.” - Rafael Herandez ColĂłn, 1998, “The Nation, Century to Century”: “Who are we and where are we going? We are pure and irrevocably Puerto Rican, a nation with a defined culture we’re not North Americans, although we are U.S. citizens and we’re proud to be.”
- Sila Maria Calderon, Caribbean Business, December 3, 1998: “The people from Puerto Rico already decided they want to be permanently linked to the United States. There’s nothing else to be said about that matter.”
In fact, PuertoRicoUSA draws this conclusion about citizenship:
“At the present time both the statehood and commonwealth parties include definite, irrevocable American citizenship in their own platforms and status definitions. Both groups account for an overwhelming majority, nearly 96% of all voters (As per 1993 plebiscite). Some advocates for independence favor the retaining of both Puerto Rican and American citizenship. With this in view we can state that a totality of Puerto Rico voters would favor continuing our American citizenship.”
As citizens of the United States living in the State of Puerto Rico, the people of Puerto Rico will be Puerto Ricans, just as U.S. citizens of the State of Texas will always be Texans and those of California will always be Californians. This is the nature of the United States: we are citizens of our states and of our nation. Puerto Rico can have this through statehood, but not through independence.
This quote makes the most important point of all, which is that the full rights of U.S. citizenship can be achieved only for citizens who reside in a state. U.S. citizens in territories can acquire and enjoy more rights than residents of tiny territories like American Samoa who are still “nationals,” the same subjected status Puerto Ricans had under the Foraker Act from 1900 to 1917 when statutory citizenship was granted. But full rights of citizenship including consent of the governed and full constitutionally conferred U.S. citizenship is not possible without statehood.
One more historical quote from PuertoRicoUSA seems particularly fitting for our current situation:
“It is only fitting that a Republican Congress should give the people of Puerto Rico what so many Republican presidents sought to achieve –Â a way to determine for themselves the government they should have.” –Ralph Reed
Once independent, it is very unlikely that Puerto Rico will ever be allowed to return to territory status or be admitted as a state. Only one out of 50 states was admitted as a republic: Texas.
Puerto Ricans who do not choose statehood from the non-territorial status options should be prepared for the loss of their U.S. citizenship. They should expect not to be able to pass that citizenship to their children. Who will be willing to accept that?
34 Responses
NO STATEHOOD FOR PUERTO RICO
I say yes for statehood for Puerto Rico51
I AGREE
WHY NOT???
It is time for congress hear our voice we want ether Statehood or Independence in our next plebicite it should be Statehood or Independence we have voted already against this colonial status
Most born in Puerto Rico have a statutory US Citizenship that could be lost under Independence…. Some sources:
o Besides, Thornburgh states: “The ruling of the Supreme Court in Rogers v. Bellei 401 U.S. 815 (1970), regarding the nature of statutory citizenship is consistent with the conclusion that even a statutory extension of the Fourteenth Amendment to Puerto Rico could not limit the discretion of Congress to amend or repeal that statutory extension.”
o “Thus, the U.S. citizenship created under 8 U.S.C. §1402 does not and cannot offer the permanent or constitutional protection of the Fourteenth Amendment to the people of Puerto Rico. Similarly, the protection of persons born in a State of the Union under Afroyim v. Rusk 307 U.S. 253 (1967) would not prevent Congress from changing laws defining the citizenship of people born in Puerto Rico.”
7. President W. Bush Report: “If P.R. were to become independent “… those…who had U.S. Citizenship only by statute would cease to be citizens of the United States, unless a different rule were prescribed by legislation or treaty…” (Page 9)
(NOTE:Our Constitution only mentions two forms of permanent Citizenship: if you are born in a State or if you are “Naturalized” –in a State. It doesn’t mention “statutory citizenship”. Besides, you can’t be a sovereign Nation with the Citizenship and Constitution of another Nation! Where would the loyalty lie? Congress, in 1917, imposed this “statutory” American Citizenship through a Statue/Law that a future Congress can rescind…; the US Constitution is not equally applied to PR. Thus, some U.S. Citizens may not have the same equal/permanent Constitutional American Citizenship as others—born in the States or Naturalized.)
[…] fact, recent polls in Puerto Rico show the majority of its citizens want their island to become a […]
The reasons for retaining Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth have long since passed. The status of PR should be settled: statehood or independence. This requires not only (presumably) the consent of the citizens there, but majority approval in both houses of Congress. It is doubtful that the latter will ever be achieved, given the time that has gone by thus far and PR’s present economic status (bringing only debt, undeserved pension obligations, and little chance for growth to the table).
States can’t declare bankruptcy (and the US already has Illinois and NJ, so we have our quota of economically-challenges and corruption). Puerto Rico is well past the point of no return and any “rescue” should be the last before granting independence. That should be done with some deference to not turning out all the lights, but no more than that given the self-made mess PR brewed for itself.
Citizens of PR who choose to remain there will become just that – Puerto Rican citizens; no longer statutory US citizens. Visitation like with any other country where immigration may need to be controlled (i.e. visas, deportation as necessary). The majority will have gotten what it wants (54% for independence), but independence comes at a price.
Puerto Rico: Time to Cut the Cord
The reasons for retaining Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth have long since passed. The status of PR should be settled: statehood or independence. This requires not only (presumably) the consent of the citizens there, but majority approval in both houses of Congress. It is doubtful that the latter will ever be achieved, given the time that has gone by thus far and PR’s present economic status (bringing to the table only debt, undeserved pension obligations, and little chance for growth).
States can’t declare bankruptcy (and the US already has Illinois and NJ, so we have our quota of the economically-challenged and corrupt). Puerto Rico is well past the point of no return and any “rescue” should be the last before granting independence. That should be done with some deference to not turning out all the lights, but no more than that, given the mess PR brewed entirely for itself (as much as Democrats like to blame creditors, PR is – presumably – a fully capable government, not some poor unaware farmhand being offered a too-good-to-be-true mortgage).
Citizens of PR who choose to remain there will become just that – Puerto Rican citizens; no longer statutory US citizens. Visitation will proceed as with any other country where immigration may need to be controlled (i.e. visas, deportation as necessary). The majority will have gotten what it wants (54% for independence), but independence comes at a price.
NO STATEHOOD WE NEED OUR OWN INDEPENDENCE!
Its true, so we can trade and have other countries and businesses want to deal with us, FREE la isla!
A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS FOR PUERTO RICO AND THE USA. NEGLIGENCE ON BOTH PARTS. THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP HAS BEEN OVERLOOK BY BOTH PARTIES. CONGRESS OVERLOOKED PRESIDENDIAL INTRUSION
AND PUERTO RICO PERCEIVED IT AS APOLITICAL ARRANGEMENT, NOT A LEGAL RELATIOSHIP. BOTH ARE AWAKING
TO THE REAL ISSUE, WHICH IS , CONGRESS COMPLACENT WITH DIRECTIVES AND PUERTO RICOS DREAM OF A BETTER LIFE WITH DISREGARD TO ACCOUNTABILITY
CANT’ GO BACK IN TIME,LETS GO FORWARD: PROVIDE PR. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, QUIDE FOR A SHORT TERM, ALLOW ITS DEMOCRATIC WAYS OF SELF GOVERNMENT, DO NOT INTERFEAR IN THE DEMOCRATIC LOCAL
PROCESS AND HELP ADMINISTER THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS FREE SOCIETY UNDER A GREAT NATION
WHICH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS. CONGRESS AFTER WAR YOU HAVE RECONSTRUCTED OTHERS, BE,
DO, AND ASSIST PUERTO RICO IN ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. DON’T SHOW ANGER, YOUR ALSO A PARTICIPANT IN THIS DEBACLE.
I Felix A Pacheco Belive That PUERTO RICO Should Become independent Nations We Enter Your Wars side to side Now it’s Time Puerto Rico To Getter There independent.So Give Us Our Independent Now .We Could Do It.That Those not mean that we put a Rican could be friends with the US but we want to be a nation it’s been long overdue and to Victory always God bless our Puerto Rico iLike American Say God Bless America.
THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO ALREADY VOTED IN FAVOR OF “STATEHOOD” IN 2012 ..SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? U.S.A AND CONGRESS?
THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO ..VOTED..IN FAVOR OF {STATE-HOOD} IN 2012,,,USA CONGRESS AND SENATE HAS THE FINAL SAY SO.
I agree with Yessica and Felix
Since the U.S. invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898, Washington’s relationship with Puerto Rico has been one of exploitation and convenience. From the Ponce Massacre and government-sanctioned programs aimed at forcibly sterilizing working class Puerto Rican women to unethical testing and human radiation experiments on Puerto Rican prisoners, the U.S. government has a shameful track record of transgressions on the island.
And let’s not forget Vieques: for more than 60 years the U.S. Navy used the island of Vieques as target practice. Though the bombings stopped in 2003, the U.S.’ legacy on Vieques continues in the form of destroyed land (over half the island is uninhabitable), shattered livelihoods, and increased rates of cancer, birth defects, and illnesses — the result of contamination from years of continuous bombings.
Yet because Puerto Rico lacks any real autonomy or representation, these and other travesties — both social and economic — are largely ignored. Independence would hold accountable elected representatives at all levels of government and restore power to the people.
This comment quotes an article in the Huffington Post. See the full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maru-gonzalez/4-reasons-independence-is-the-right-path-for-puerto-rico_b_7907434.html
For far too long, the people of Puerto Rico have chosen to accept the comfort of a familiar yet broken status quo over the uncertainty of real, revolutionary change. Indeed, many on the island and in the diaspora adhere to a colonized mentality, one that believes an independent Puerto Rico is economically unsustainable. But liberated nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America have demonstrated otherwise.
Singapore is a prime example. With a size 14 times smaller than Puerto Rico, less natural resources, and a significantly higher population density, Singapore has thrived socially and economically since gaining independence — even exceeding the per capita income of the United States.
This comment quotes an article in the Huffington Post. See the full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maru-gonzalez/4-reasons-independence-is-the-right-path-for-puerto-rico_b_7907434.html
Good point, if only PR can get Lee Kuan Yew as a leader or even as a overseer !
Pedro
“Only one out of 50 states was admitted as a republic: Texas.”
Vermont as well. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermont_Republic
Freedom for PR we are not your Arny reserves! We are people who deserve the right to self governance
[…] asking if this island nation should stay a territory of the United States, apply for statehood, or secede from the United States and become its own sovereign nation? Â This movement has been quickly […]
Those that seek statehood have no clear understanding about freedom and have been brainwashed by the Socialist Statehood Propaganda.
Pura verdad
The United States Federal Congress should decide in by passing/ratifying a resolution once and for all on the citizens of Puerto Rico … whether bringing in as a functional state of the union or independence,: this limbo has to end
Statehood,if not for puertorican leaving in the island and dont want it u.s Citizen free then.
Statehood all the way.
Statehood 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
This entire article is pointless because it does not point out a single federal law or legal precedent in which citizens of a former territory are obligated to give up their citizenship. THIS IS A MYTH that pro-statehood people use to instill fear into the hearts of the ignorant. Control through fear is a pathetic strategy and unbecoming of civilized adults. The passing down of citizenship by birth applies to any US citizen’s family living anywhere in the world. For example : Ted Cruz’ parents in Canada, John McCain in Panama, soldiers having kids in Germany, etc.
Note that the Philippines and Cuba used to be U.S. territories and are now independent nations. Neither has U.S. citizenship. There are also tree nations in free association with the U.S. and none has U.S. citizenship.
-Patriots rise! Equal Civil Rights for US Citizens-US Veterans–Puerto Ricans!-
Today, the US Federal Government undemocratically controls the US Territory of Puerto Rico–with more US Citizens than 20 States that have NO Federal “consent of the governed” as Patriots demand- Equal Civil Rights-Fairness; revocation of unjust Laws; a Non-Territorial/Non-Colonial Status!
FACTS–Since 1898 (US invasion) till Today-millions of US Citizens-US Veterans in Puerto Rico have a 2d Class US Citizenship-NO Vote for US President; NO just Representation in the US Congress; NO Parity in Federal Laws, Programs, or Funding (like Social Security, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, Veterans, Infrastructure, Education, Emergency, and other Federal Funds); NO permanent statutory US Citizenship (even if moving to a State). Plus, the Federal Government– controls PR’s Borders, Currency, Laws, Security, Economy, Trade, etc.–under the unjust and trite Territorial Clause (1787); racist Insular Cases.
Besides, Puerto Ricans face a magna CRISIS and Exodus to the States–which major ROOT components are–Economic; Fiscal; Infrastructure; Social; and Territorial Status—where each PART affects the other. Federal discrimination & the undemocratic Territorial Status– affects everything; brings instability; ties PR hands to fairly compete-grow the Economy; limits progress; goes against our Democratic Ideals!
The Federal Government should be the Servant of ALL the People; NOT the Master of some!
The People with Equal Rights come first, not a “separate & unequal” Status! Remember, in our great US Republic, the power resides with all “We the People” (made up by individuals)–per our Declaration of Independence that calls for “Consent of the Governed”; as our noble US Constitution calls for Equal Rights-Fairness, and a Republican form of Government or a Representative Democracy (“a Government of the People, by the People, and for the People”–Lincoln)! NO Federal Vote results in NO Democracy!
Even if one US Citizen (Individual) doesn’t have full Rights, is one too many!
The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT can end this unjust inequality now, but, has not done so! Instead, some provide ageless EXCUSES; create a double standard that weren’t applied to other US Territories before Puerto Rico; politically distort/misinform; are biased or racist. This results in stalemate; perpetuates Federal oppression which is against the highest precepts of our noble USA’s Representative Democracy!
“You can’t have it both ways, either you support Equal Rights or you allow Federal discrimination!”
Silence to discrimination; supports injustice!
FIX: Our Federal Government (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial) must ensure Equal Rights; let Puerto Ricans VOTE in a Plebiscite, with clearly defined non-territorial constitutional options-which only are:
1. STATEHOOD-MEANS: Admission to our diverse “UNION of STATES”– under US Constitution/ Laws/ Democracy; Equal US Citizenship with full rights, benefits, and responsibilities…
*With PR-STATE Identity; Constitution; Flag; Sovereignty… as other States & other US Citizens have.
2. INDEPENDENCE-MEANS: PR National Sovereignty; PR Constitution/Laws, PR Citizenship… with loss of US Constitution & statutory US Citizenship, Rights, and Benefits…
3. INDEPENDENCE with Free Association-MEANS: a negotiated PACT between Independent Nations on Terms (like trade, defense…) that can be terminated by either side; with PR Citizenship, and LOSS of US Constitution protection; LOSS of statutory US Citizenship, Rights, and Benefits…
Best Option: “PR EQUALITY & PROGRESS with STATEHOOD!”
In a UNION-each State is stronger than by itself; complements others, with progress–for the Good of All!
“En la UNIÓN está la Fuerza!”
Only Statehood guarantees a permanent statutory US Citizenship as US Laws end upon Independence. Statutory US Citizens (by Territorial Clause/Jones Act-1917) moving to the STATES, have a stake in this just fight as they can lose their non-permanent statutory US Citizenship. THUS, the US Congress must let them Vote in any Plebiscite or allow for State Naturalization (per 14th Amendment)…
Puerto Ricans Sacrifice & Contribute to our USA since 1513!
US Puerto Ricans are about 10m strong, (most live in the States)-are integrated as the 2d largest US Hispanic Group that sacrifice; greatly contribute (in all fields of endeavor) to our US. Since 1898, Puerto Ricans patriotically shed sweat, blood, and tears for our US Flag (WWI; WW-II; Korea; Vietnam; Global War on Terrorism…). PR pays more Federal Taxes than 6 States; is a US Market that creates Hundreds of Thousands of US Jobs… PR Ancestors (1st Governor of PR & Crew) came to Florida (1513)–107 years before the Pilgrims; others fought in the US War of Independence (1776)…; help develop our now USA.
The Federal Government must let the People Vote; Equal Rights is at stake!
US Citizens in Puerto Rico want to end the Territorial (Colonial) Status as they Voted in certified local Plebiscites (2012, 2017, & 2020) for Statehood; against the current Territorial Status. Independence got only 2-5% of the Vote… Puerto Ricans cherish their US Citizenship, and have proven loyalty to our US.
“We must Guard against a Tyranny of a Majority!”
In our evolving US Constitution, it’s clear that the Power should reside with “We the People” (made up by Individuals). However, our Federal Government incongruently does not act to end Puerto Rico’s Federal undemocratic Territorial Status; amend or revoke unjust Laws that limit progress, like the–
• Territorial Clause (1787) states: “US Congress shall have the Power to dispose of and make all rules and regulations pertaining to the Territory or other Properties that belongs to the US.” **It doesn’t mention that the Federal Government can take Individual Rights & Benefits away, but, it does…
• Insular Cases (1901-1925+ based on racism)-states–Puerto Rico is an “unincorporated US Territory; more foreign than domestic, belongs to, but, is not part of the US (soil)”– resulting in a permanent “Separate and Un-Equal Status” which goes against a Representative Democracy…
**These nonsensical double standards were NOT applied to other US Territories or US Citizens before Puerto Rico; are NOT in the US Constitution, are based on Racism…; condemned as unconstitutional by Justice Gorsuch, Sotomayor, and Others who support revoking them…
• Jones (Merchant Marine) Act (1920)–imposes hidden higher costs on Puerto Rican Consumer Goods; badly hurts the Economy/progress; is unfair because a majority of States don’t pay for it…
“Equality for a more perfect UNION!”
Hispanic-Puerto Ricans are being treated (by the Federal Government) like the allegory (Animal Farm)–“All Animals (People) are Equal; but, some Animals (People) are more Equal than others!” Today, the US Constitution does not fully apply to US Citizens-US Veterans in Puerto Rico, as the Federal Government has not let the People Vote (since 1898-for over 125+ years) to end Federal subjugation!
Patriots rise to Civic Action for Equality!
THE TIME IS NOW to ensure Equal Civil Rights; a Representative Democracy for all “We the People” (include US Puerto Ricans-US Veterans)! Thus, let’s get our Federal Government to–
(1) Stop Federal discrimination-Do a PR Plebiscite on viable Non-Territorial Options—STATEHOOD vs INDEPENDENCE (Without or With a Pact of Free Association)… Let the People VOTE for Equality!
(2) Revoke un-just Laws (like the racist “Insular Cases”, 1920 Jones Act…); Incorporate Puerto Rico.
(3) Amend US Constitution to clearly protect Equal Civil Rights-Fairness for ALL “We The People”…
(4) Update the Territorial Clause to make it more FAIR (with more Rights & a Status limit).
UNITED-with Truth, Reason, Justice, and Civic Action for the Good of All!
Many countries offer citizenship to places where they colonized. It’s a responsible response. Just because Puerto Rico doesn’t want to become a state, it doesn’t mean that the US has to revoke citizenship. Stop the scare tactics. If the US is willing to revoke the citizenship after more than a century of colonization and benefiting from Puerto Rico, what makes you think becoming a state and giving them the power to make decisions about the island is smart?