The Puerto Rico Statehood Question

Since 1917, Puerto Rico has endured the ongoing question of becoming America's 51st State. The solution seems to be eluding both the US Congress and Puerto Ricans. Is it that they simply cannot make a decision about this?

In 1917, the funny thing is all Puerto Ricans are US Citizens! Okay, so that is like the illegals crossing the border so there is no immigration issue there at all. The island even has its own Democratic representative in Congress. Okay, that is not the issue either. The island's two main languages are English and Spanish. Though, Spanish is dominant, nearly all can speak some English and it is taught in all schools. Okay, so the linguistics is not an issue either.

PR has 11 million people and many US firms have their offices there. Last fall, a national poll was taken and for the first time, locals stated that they wanted to be a state and not a commonwealth. This was the first time its citizens voted Yes to be America's 51st state. Okay, that finally is not the problem either.

Its residents do not have to pay federal income taxes but do receive Medicare and Medicaid. They cannot vote in federal elections.

It seems the issue is within Puerto Rico itself as internal politics and parties block or promote the statehood issue. Event the poll was deceptive because some wanted an independent free state, whatever that means, so once factored in, only 45% wanted to be State, while over 50% said No.

But they have a great deal- no federal income taxes are paid when you live there and you get federal health programs. Hmm, maybe that is the real reason. What would be the benefit to them if they were the 51st state?

Good question.