Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should Puerto Rico become a US state or independent?
Position1 of 2›

Puerto Rico should become a US state

Puerto Rico has been a US territory for over 100 years. No US territory that has fit all statehood requirements and voted for a referendum has waited that long for statehood. It's time to abide by the wishes of the Puerto Rican people and give them statehood, which comes with increased federal benefits and the ability to vote.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. The people of Puerto Rico have voted for it
    Puerto Rico citizens have voted numerous times on statehood referendums. It’s time to give the majority what they desire.
  2. Puerto Ricans are US citizens
    Puerto Ricans have been US citizens for over 100 years, but haven’t been granted the full benefits that come with citizenship. Completing the statehood process would grant those benefits and silence constitutional detractors.
  3. Puerto Rico would receive increased federal benefits
    Puerto Rico has a number of inequities in federal programs like Medicaid and family tax credits and is ineligible for food stamps for disaster victims. Statehood would immediately help out the island, which has been ravaged by natural disasters.
  4. Puerto Ricans should have the ability to vote in Congress—and for President
    Puerto Ricans are US citizens and have their own government, yet are unable to vote in Presidential elections and do not have a voting member of Congress. This leaves roughly 3.2 million people out of the voting process that America fought so hard to erect.