Why can't Puerto Rico become a state?

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory. It is similar to U.S. states in many ways but its taxpaying residents lack voting representation in Congress, cannot vote for president and do not enjoy all the same constitutional rights as other Americans.

Can Puerto Rico ever become a state?

Voters in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have both voted for statehood in referendums. As statehood candidates, their admission to the Union requires congressional approval.

Does Puerto Rico not want to be a state?

In the 2012 Puerto Rican status referendum, 54.0% of voters indicated "No" to maintaining the current political status. A full 61.1% of voters chose statehood, 33.3% chose free association, and 5.6% chose independence.

Can the United States get rid of Puerto Rico?

If Puerto Rico were a State, it would be equal under the Constitution with all the other 50 States. It could not be sold or given away or be forced to become independent. States have rights and sovereignty which Puerto Rico does not have.

What if Puerto Rico becomes independent?

The United States would no longer be obligated to provide financial support, but would lose all military bases unless Puerto Rico agreed to lease them. Some or all Puerto Ricans would likely lose U.S. citizenship and the right to reside in the United States.

Why didn't Puerto Rico become a US State? (Short Animated Documentary)

Do Puerto Ricans want independence?

Since the second half of the 20th century, the independence movement has not been widely supported by the Puerto Rican public, failing to gain traction in both plebiscites and elections. In a status referendum in 2012, 5.5% voted for independence while Statehood obtained 61.1% of the votes cast.

Can Puerto Rican citizens run for president?

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, and they can participate in the major political parties' nominating processes. They cannot, however, vote in presidential elections.

What is the 51st state of America?

Proposals to admit a new state to the United States. 51st state refers to a place or territory that is not one of the 50 states of the United States, but people think about making it the 51st state. It is sometimes a joke term in American politics, and sometimes a realistic one.

Who owns Puerto Rico?

In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was acquired by the United States. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland.

Do Puerto Ricans have U.S. rights?

Citizenship. Since 1917, people born in Puerto Rico have been given U.S. citizenship. United States citizens residing in Puerto Rico, whether born there or not, are not residents of a state or the District of Columbia and, therefore, do not qualify to vote, personally or through an absentee ballot, in federal elections ...