Overview
This lecture examines Puerto Rico’s unique political status, its relationship with the United States, the rights of its inhabitants, and potential future scenarios.
Puerto Rico’s Status and Geography
- Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean and part of the Greater Antilles.
- It has 3.2 million inhabitants, similar to Uruguay’s population but much smaller in area.
- Puerto Rico is a US territory, officially called a Commonwealth, but not an incorporated part of the US.
- The island’s official languages are Spanish and English, with most residents speaking Spanish.
Political Organization and Citizenship
- Puerto Ricans are US citizens with US passports and freedom to move within US territory.
- Puerto Ricans pay local and most federal taxes and receive US government funds.
- They vote in party primaries but not in the final presidential election if living on the island.
- Puerto Rico sends a non-voting representative to Congress, unlike states with full representation.
- Moving to one of the 50 states grants Puerto Ricans full voting rights, including for president.
Paradoxes and Inequalities
- Puerto Rico’s situation breaks the principle of "no taxation without representation."
- Despite paying taxes, Puerto Ricans lack real influence in federal decisions.
- Puerto Ricans can indirectly influence presidential nominations through party primaries.
Migration and Economic Challenges
- Many Puerto Ricans have migrated to the US, especially after economic crises and Hurricane Maria.
- US Congress removed tax incentives for Puerto Rico, worsening its economic situation.
- A federal oversight board was imposed in 2016 to manage Puerto Rico’s debts and economy.
Referendums and Future Options
- Six non-binding referendums have been held on Puerto Rico’s political status: statehood, independence, or free association.
- In 2017, 97% voted for statehood, but turnout was only 23%, and the result was non-binding.
- A new referendum is scheduled for November 5, 2024, with the options: independence, statehood, or free association.
- Real change requires action by the US Congress, as referendums alone are not binding.
Puerto Rican Identity in Sports
- Puerto Rico fields its own teams for international sports, achieving major successes in baseball and basketball.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Commonwealth — a self-governing territory associated with the US but without full statehood rights.
- Free Association — a sovereign nation forms an agreement with another (in this case, the US) on specific issues.
- Non-binding referendum — a vote that shows public opinion but does not have legal force.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the three status options for Puerto Rico ahead of the 2024 referendum.
- Follow developments in US Congress regarding potential changes to Puerto Rico’s political status.