Isn't it time for Puerto Rico to let go of its Commonwealth status?
120056
Yes, Puerto Rico has all the rights of a US state, but without the responsibility.\n\nPart of the reason Puerto Rico is so poor is that Commonwealth staus puts them in a position where they have to rely on the federal government. Either make them contribute as equals or go their own way.\n\nCommonwealth was never meant to be a permanent status- it was meant as a transition to statehood or independence.
637894
Sounds like it is(and no offense) but dirty laundry that the gov doesnt want brought out. Keep writing..bring that family some closure.
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.
103041
Because they want all the goodies the US has to offer, but they want to be loyal to their own country that gives them nothing.\n\nit's just like Puerto Rico not wanting to become a state because they like being able to suck on our resources (example - welfare) but they don't want to have to give anything (example - pay taxes) back.
474917
I don't know any. I live in mid-Ohio. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US. But I like all peoples of all nations. As long as you respect and like me I'll give it back. I always wanted to see Puerto Rico, is it nice there?
143810
No, Pancha, the problem is more complicated than that. there where quite a few good answers though. we need to enforce the law we already have. they are good laws, and followed correctly, they will work. second, I believe we should get rid of part of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment. it states:\n\nSection 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. \n\nThis Amendment was meant to give Black slaves citizenship after the civil war, because many in the South believed they were not citizens. they were born here, thus they were justly given the right of citizenship. This, however, does not apply to today's world. we no longer have slaves thank god, and there is no need for this section. It is the anchor baby amendment. an illegal woman comes across the border and has a baby. that baby is technically an american citizen. they can't deport the mother (who couldn't pay her medical bill anyway, so it'll fall to us taxpayers) because who's gonna care for the child? If given to an orphanage, the child may be adopted, but will cost the state money too. the illegal mother now has a reason to stay and bring her husband if she has one, her other children if she has them, etc. The laws we have now, minus Section 1 of the 14th Amendment, are effective IF ENFORCED. and building a wall is a good idea, too.
71881
I am puerto rican and I think is easier for us to fit in the states because PR is a US territory what makes our culture similar if not the same as in the states. The problem is that northamericans think we have a hispanic culture as Mexico and others central and South americans countries but we don't our culture is enriched with hispanic and american heritage. In NY as in many other states the biggest problem for PRicans is showing that not because we speak Spanish we are illegals or Mexicans...the problem is that have been put together with some cultures that are way to different than ours. We have the best of these two cultures...family first (latino) pride for our country (USA). wilmary69@yahoo.com
71790
Puerto Rico is a part of the United States. That's almost like asking, "Why did New Yorkers go to Connecticut?"
566466
I thinks its time for it all to be over. It's time to concentrate more on the problems of our own country and stop worrying so much over what is going on elsewhere.
167783
Puerto Ricans are under the US law since it is our Commonwealth. They are considered US citizens.  They may come live in the US without a passport or visa. They do not pay taxes either. They do not cast ballots for president, but they do get to elect a resident commissioner to sent to washington to serve in the US House of Representatives. But he does not get a vote in congress. And by Puerto Rico being a Comonwealth they are bound by the Laws of the United States, so therefore are not "supposed" to travel to certain countries.
646277
Thats true...but not all puertorican mister, I'm a educated and want to see my country clean and sweep, but don't include all the puertoricans in your question.  All the trash and bad concept are being brought from states.  Go to the getto and look by yourself.  No generalizes, papa.  Y si eres boricua, no lo escondas.
225706
I agree 100%. However, citizenship cannot be awarded to those who have entered illegally. That is the problem. My grandparents came in through ports of entry in Baltimore and Boston. They were able to obtain citizenship because they came into this country in the correct manner. Those coming in underground, etc. cannot be given citizenship. In fact, they should legally be deported back to their own country.
240618
All of the above. And all of California (for obvious reasons), Massachusetts and Rhode Island (based on their penchant for electing and reelecting Kennedys.)\n\nAh, f*ck it. That would pretty much eliminate all the blue states.
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.
600927
Most people don't know that this question comes up in PR *all the time* and Puerto Ricans consistently choose the status quo. Why? They are part of the US, they receive federal development assistance, but *they don't have to pay federal taxes*. I would say this is a pretty sweet deal for PR, and since PR represents only a tiny part of the U.S., the vast majority of other Americans don't care one way or the other.\n\nIn referendums to decide status, the vote is almost evenly decided whether to become a state, or to stay the same (the latter has won, obviously). About 5% vote for complete independence. So it's clear that the vast majority of Puerto Ricans enjoy being part of the U.S.\n\nTrips to PR from the mainland are considered "domestic" (not international), PR is served by US Mail and has US Zip codes, the phone & electrical system are the same as in the U.S. However, they have their own team in the Olympics and other international competitions (then again, England & Scotland are separate teams in the World Cup...)\n\nBut the most important takeaway is that the U.S. *DOES* allow PR to choose what it wants for itself and will abide by whatever PR chooses. The fact is that Puerto Ricans seem to want to continue the current status.
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!
151383
Sadly, not for a while. The U.S. cannot leave Iraq in the state it is in. The Iraqi police force is not strong enough alone to take care of the many issue there now. Until there is a solid government in place, the Police force is strong enough to handle problems on their own and there is somewhat a bit peace we cannot leave.