Why doesn't the US just make Puerto Rico a state? We already claim it as a US territory, so why not make it a state then?
133083
Probably doesn't want to pay for government agencies, taxes, & welfare to be put there.  Also, it would radically change the presidential election voting process.
382252
Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, residents of Puerto Rico pay no federal income tax, nor can they vote in presidential elections. The United States of America's Constitution indicates no taxation without representation. In as much as Puerto Rico representing itself with International sports (Olympics, World Baseball Classic, World Soccer, etc) they are considered a common wealth such as Guam. However; if they are ever included to statehood; that factor would change. They would be treated just like Hawaii and Alaska.
285839
Its where the states got to chose if they wanted to be a slave state or a free state. I'm studing the SAME THING!!! Good luck!! =)
280306
Most of those territories have about the same degree of self government that Hawaii has.  I'm sure some will want more, some will want less.  Let's hear what they say - but I think it's unlikely that residents of the Pitcairn Islands are desperate for the right to set up a navy, or the Turks & Caicos islands want to set up their own embassies abroad and announce to the UN their position on Kurdish rights.
182037
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the USA,for all of you who didn't know. You go mami,VIVA Boriquen!
221806
50 states, and lots of other islands, etc. that are governed by us, such as Puerto Rico and American Samoa.  They wish they were states.\n\nSamoa, and Washington DC both have people in them, who for various reasons, wish to become states, but congress is to busy for their appeals.
305162
Or, what about Mexico annex what was once theirs?\n\nI think both ideas are ridiculous, but if we are going to fantasize, how about this:\n\nAt first it wouldn't be a State(s), it would be a territory or a protectorate, like Porto Rico or the Panama canal zone.  If we annexed Mexico it is possible it would never achieve statehood.\n\nYou mentioned the benefits of building an infrastructure, but the reality is that we have a failing infrastructure up here we would have to deal with first.  We have one of the worst infrastructures compared to all the other developed countries of the world.  Our train system has some serious catching up to do.  Most of our power plants are dated.  Dams and levys are falling apart what seems like every day (think New Orleans), our airports are over used and too small, our National Parks and other public Lands are desperately under funded, our public transportation is terrible, we dearly need a urban planning miracle, we are facing a future of drought, the list doesn't end.  But basically we can't seem to afford to take care of ourselves let alone another 107,000,000 Mexicans.\n\nYes we would gain the natural resources, but the reality is we already have them.  America has been exploiting Latin America's natural resources for more than 150 years.  Look at whats going on in Venezuela and Bolivia.  The US is pissed off because these governments aren't allowing the US to rape them anymore. \n\nAnd we already have the cheap labor, they come here.  And they stay cheap because they are illegal.  But imagine if we start paying another 107,000,000 people minimum wage (or more),  they wouldn't be so cheap any more now would they?\n\nThe old paradigm of controlling mass geographic space is becoming passe.  In fact it is very difficult to govern huge populations speaking different languages, sharing different cultures, expressing different political ideologies.  America is a very expensive venture indeed, and I am not sure it is the least costly model.  When you finally break it down buy cost analysis I am sure the independent Mexico model shows the highest net growth for both countries.  \n\nIt is even possible that our current country "as is" won't be able to afford to exist in its present form for very much longer.  What if we run out of gas?\n  \nCan you imagine trying to get 107,000,000 Mexicans to integrate in to the US way of life, fat chance.  Many of them don't even speak Spanish let alone English.
363617
good question. I think it ultimately boils down to who has the bigger guns! nah, but on a serious note, depends on if it is in International waters or within Philippines territory etc.  Good question though, id love to discover a new island and claim it mine
145145
I think the US should just BUY mexico and make it a state.
77285
Because our country's whole name is "The United States of AMERICA"  and also because we are the dominating force in all of the Americas.\n\nBut not everyone calls it "America" outside of the US.  It is often frequently called "The States."\n\nMost of the time we're just called "Those Terrorists" lol
527571
The territory most likely to gain statehood is Puerto Rico.  I am certainly not an expert on Puerto Rico politics, but my neighbor is from Puerto Rico and he says that the Puerto Ricans wanted statehood until they saw it might really happen, and then they backed off, preferring the benefits of the status quo.  \n\nI should ask him to clarify!
652583
Adios. \n\nhardcoco how can the US own us (Trinidadians)?\n\nAnyway Goodbye and Good Riddance! Learn to play before you come back.
308119
Hell no. That would be a huge mistake. We have enough of them in our country as it is. Shame on our ancestors. Though it is a good thing that they landed on Puerto Rico first. Our government will never adopt that place as a state. They know what it will mean. It will be another DC.
82100
That's a good question.  I don't think Puerto Rico should become a state; most Puerto Ricans agree with me.  The average per capita yearly income in Puerto Rico is about half that of the US national average.  I'm not an expert, but I do know that different tax, wage, environmental, and various federal laws apply to Puerto Rico that are not uniform with those in the 50 states; integrating the island into the US law system would be difficult.\nA higher percentage of Puerto Ricans have served in the US military than almost any other minority ethnic group.  Puerto Ricans have fought valiantly in all of America's wars since PR became part of the US.  Their loyalty is unquestionable.\nI'd like to see a study that shows how much Puerto Rico's economy benefits the rest of the US, versus how much money we lose each year because Puerto Ricans do not pay federal income tax.  I'd bet we don't lose much, if any.\nPuerto Ricans have been given the chance to change their island's legal status, but they have freely voted time and again to maintain the status quo.  I'm fine with that.
499775
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth. It is not a territory, or state, or independent.\n\nPuerto Rico has a representative in congress who can speak, but not vote. They have USA citizenship, currency and passport.\n\nAnd by the way, the Puerto Rican culture is far older than the American culture, being over 500 yrs old.\n\n.
183845
I'm looking for that article but in the meantime....since puerto rico is a u.s.territory i'm pretty sure there will be some form of aid.  ofcourse thats only a bandaide to the problem and a longterm solution/plan will be necessary.  i hope the u.s. gov. will help relocate island families within the u.s.
554775
You are really saying a lot of BS.\nEngland is a tiny, powerless, impish little country.\nThe US is the most powerful country in the world, even if our current president is an idiot !!