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Historically, both the movement for Puerto Rican statehood and the movement for Puerto Rican independence have known only marginal popular support, probably because just about anyone who lives there thinks that the Commonwealth status is best for the island. Residents know they have nothing to gain by statehood or independence, and everything to lose. Statehood would be a disaster, instantly lowering Puerto Rico's status to being the poorest of U.S. States while also costing the island's economy many millions of dollars in Federal monies. It would make residents of Puerto Rico liable for federal income tax, from which they are now exempt. It would damage beyond repair the rich Puerto Rican cultural heritage that is currently enjoying a renaissance, partly by requiring the exclusive use of the English language in public schools, and it would bring hundreds of other unwelcome intrusions. The chief, and perhaps the only benefit of statehood is that residents of Puerto Rico could then vote in U.S. Presidential elections, and would have the same representation in Congress that the residents of the other States have. So far, that has not seemed worth the price.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoDarn good question! In order to become a state the people of the island have to vote to ask the US Congress to Admit Puerto Rico into the Union. Then Congress (both the House and Senate) have to vote to admit the territory. Then the President has to sign the legislation.
After 4 votes by the Puerto Rican electorate, there is no clear majority and the plurality of the vote has been for keeping some sort of territorial status. A close second has been for statehood and a very distant third (with never more than 5% of the vote) is the Independence movement.
Puerto Rico has no chance to become a state until the majority (50% +1) of the voting public vote to do so.
Also the people of Puerto Rico fear many things such as national identies, langauge and culture will change due to an official union with the USA. Puerto Rico has a strong national identity and many dont want to loose that.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoPuerto Rico doesn't become a state because it is not an important issue in congress. The subject was brought up in congress by Hon. Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico in 1998 but never carried out. Although there are 4 million people there and a large portion of them are American or white, the subject just doesn't have much significance. If they became a state we would have to fund them and America is not ready for this at the moment considering we have massive amounts of debt and have entered a recession.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAmerica will have to get back on it feet, so to speak. Economically and with the various situations in the Middle East are "keeping us busy" at the moment
Along with that there are petty issues like if Puerto Rico is to become a state then another star will be needed to be added to the flag.
In Short, not anytime soon.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoYes, Puerto Ricans did vote to become a state. It is now up to Congress to vote, however, it will most likely not pass.
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How many provinces states or territories are there in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a US Territory and contains no provinces, no states, no territories, no counties. It is divided into 78 municipal subdivisions.
What is stopping Puerto Rico from becoming a state?
It has been an ongoing debate since 1948 whether to remain a commonwealth, seek statehood or become independent. What is stopping state hood is the vote of the Puerto Rican People. There have been three plebiscites on the question and so far, remaining a Commonwealth in Free Association with the US has won the vote. However if Puerto Rico ever voted for statehood, the US Congress would have to vote to grant admission as a state and then other political issues might stand in the way.
What would Puerto Rico need the approval of in order to become the 51st state?
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. On various occasions there has been enough support to hold free elections as to whether its people wish to remain politically connected to the US or not. So far there has not been any significant efforts to change Puerto Rico's status as a US commonwealth. Should there be a movement to change its status from a commonwealth to a US state, then free elections will be held. If the citizens of Puerto Rico vote to seek statehood, then the laws that govern statehood would need to be applied. If so, it would become the 51st state of the US.
What does Puerto Rico have in common with the US?
Puerto Rico is a US Commonwealth. All Puerto Ricans are American Citizens. Puerto Rico currency is the US Dollar. Puerto Rico official languages are Spanish and English.www.gotopuertorico.com for more information.Puerto Rico is a protectorate of the USA. Its citizens have voting rights.
What is Puerto Ricos relationship to the US and what does it mean?
Puerto Rico is a territory of the USA. It means the 2 countries have a diplomatic, military, and economic alliance.You may want to revisit the Puerto Rico question- PR is not a territory, but is a Commonwealth- and is part of the US, not a separate country. If you were born in PR, you are a US Citizen.Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the USA. Its citizens cannot vote in presidential elections because it is not a state.
When is Puerto Rico going to become a state?
Possibly this November if they vote to do so.
Why does Puerto Rico get to vote in the presidential election?
Puerto Rico is not a state and so does not have any electoral votes. However, Puerto Ricans can vote for the president if they establish legal residence in some state and meet the other requirements to vote in that state.
Did Congress vote to make Puerto Rico the 51st state?
No. The US Congress voted to permit the people of Puerto Rico to vote on whether they wanted to become a state, become an independent nation, or maintain their current status. The choice to maintain current status won in the several plebecites that have been held.
Is there going to be 51 US states in the future?
Right now, it is uncertain. Puerto Rico is the most likely candidate for becoming the 51st state, however, the territory has had numerous occasions to do so already and has not voted on statehood. On November 6, Puerto Rico will have another referendum on statehood where it will vote on whether to stay a territory, become a state, or become independent. It is unlikely that Puerto Rico will vote for independence, so it really comes down to statehood or keeping the status quo. It is expected that Puerto Rico will vote to keep territorial status.
Is it likely for Puerto Rico to get statehood now that they have voted pro-statehood?
Most likely, no. Puerto Rico did vote to become a state, but it is now up to Congress to decide. The House is controlled by the Republicans while the Senate is controlled by the Democrats. It most likely won't pass the House as the Republicans will most likely vote against such. But that doesn't mean it's written in stone, Puerto Rico could definitely become the 51st state. We just have to wait for the vote.
Do you like Puerto Rico?
Yes, but vote for the np to be a state of the US.
Why do people from Puerto Rico vote US presidential elections?
It is part of the united states of america
When would Puerto Rico be added to the American flag?
Puerto Rico would be represented by an additional star on the US flag if and only if it were to become a state and join the Union. So, far, that option has been voted down by the people of Puerto Rico when they have had opportunities to vote on that possibliity.
Why is Puerto Rico a developed country?
Puerto Rico is a developed country because it is part of the United States of America, a developed country. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth and an unincorporated territory of the United States. The currency is USD and the citizens are United States citizens under the laws of the U.S A. While residing in Puerto Rico they cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections, however if they become residents of an US state, they can vote in all elections..
How many US congressmen were from Puerto Rico?
None. Puerto Rico is not a state and does not have any US Representatives. They have an official observer who can make speeches and lobby for legislation, but has no vote.
Why can't Puerto Rico vote question?
Puerto Ricans are citizens of the US, however, since Puerto Rico is a territory and not a state, Puerto Ricans cannot vote for the president.
What state can not vote for president?
if you are a legitimate state and we only have 50 of them you can district of Colombia and puerto rico not being one of them.
