I have no definitive opinion on this . I work with Puerto Ricanos ,and the ones who have moved here across the board think they are American. However ;there is no doubt that many enjoy the special status that territory brings.Currently, Puerto Rico has "commonwealth" status. Those living there are American citizens, but they do not pay federal income taxes, though they are hit with federal payroll taxes for Social Security. Like Washington, D.C. Puerto Rico has a non-voting delegate in the U.S. House.
The House of Representatives' unanimous approval of legislation allowing for a plebiscite in the territory.(not sure if the Senate will not stall the whole process)
House bill orders Puerto Rico to vote on political status | guampdn.com | Pacific Daily NewsQuote:
If more than 50 percent of Puerto Rico voters vote "No," the referendum will proceed to a second round during which voters will be asked to vote for either independence, independence in association with the United States, or statehood.
The bill, H.R. 2499, passed by a wide margin, 223-169.
Congress in effect has asked the territory to have a referendum to decide on the issue of statehood. The island, from information I have gathered, is split on the issue. Some want the island to be independent ;some want statehood ,and some like the current territory status.
But ; the question that so far is unanswered and unasked is ;what do the American people think of statehood for the island ?
Puerto Rico State Debate Continues LiveshotsQuote:
“I’m convinced that the framers of the Constitution, the founding fathers, never intended for this relationship to last 112 years,” Fortuno told Fox News during the congressional debate.
One member who voted against the measure thinks Congress is going about this all wrong. Washington State Republican. Rep. Doc Hastings, believes the House is “blessing a process by which we are asking them if they want to become a state.” Hastings continued, “to me that's backwards.”
Both are right .
Will a referendum in favor on the island be sufficient to admittance ?
To brush up on the process here is the steps needed for a territory to become a State .
A petition needs to be sent to the
Congress from the people of the territory that wants to be admitted.(this is the current stage of the process .If the above referendum is passed by the people of Puerto Rico then the ball begins to roll.
If the Congress honors the petition it passes an Enabling act. This authorizes the people of the territory to draw up a state constitution.
This state constitution framed, and ratified at the polls by the people of the territory, is then submitted to congress.
If Congress finds everything in order, statehood legislation is debated and, if approved ,and signed by the President. Then the President makes a proclamation of a new State.
