The relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States is often a topic of confusion for people all over the world. The primary question that arises is often, “Is Puerto Rico part of the United States?” To put it as simply as possible: yes. There is no doubt that Puerto Rico is, in fact, a part of the United States. However, the nuances of this relationship are what often cause the confusion, and those will be discussed more in-depth in this article.
Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory following the Treaty of Paris in 1898, which ended the Spanish-American War. In this treaty, Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. Puerto Rico has maintained this status for over a century, and despite several votes on the matter, it remains a territory, not a state.
Under U.S. law, Puerto Rico is classified as an “unincorporated territory,” which means that not all provisions of the Constitution automatically apply here. This status has led to certain unique aspects of Puerto Rican life. For example, while residents are citizens of the United States, they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they move to one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. On the other hand, they are exempt from federal income tax on local income. These differences often contribute to the misconception that Puerto Rico is a separate country.
Despite the unincorporated territory status, Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917 due to the Jones Act, which grants them all the same rights and privileges as mainland citizens, aside from voting in presidential elections. This means that they can freely move between the island and the mainland, serve in the military, and are protected under the same national laws.
The question of Puerto Rico’s future status has been a topic of debate for decades. There have been several referendums on either retaining the current status, opting for statehood, or pushing for independence. The most recent of these, in 2020, resulted in a majority vote in favor of statehood for the first time. However, the decision ultimately lies with the U.S. Congress, and no action has been taken thus far.
To conclude, while Puerto Rico might not be a state in the traditional sense that we think of the 50 United States, it is, unambiguously, a part of the United States. Its residents are U.S. citizens, it has representation in Congress through a non-voting Resident Commissioner, and its local laws and government must abide by the U.S. Constitution. Puerto Rico’s unique status allows it to maintain its cultural identity while simultaneously being an integral part of American society.
The complexities of Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S. reflects its unique history and creates a unique space for it within the American landscape. Such complexities should serve as an invitation for a more profound understanding, rather than creating gaps in knowledge. It underscores the need to continuously learn, comprehend and appreciate the diversity within the United States.