On January 4, 2017, Puerto Rico's new representative to Congress pushed a bill that would ratify statehood by 2025. On June 11, 2017, another non-binding referendum was held where 97.7 percent voted for the statehood option.
Has Puerto Rico ever voted to become a state?
A referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on June 11, 2017. The referendum had three options: becoming a state of the United States, independence/free association, or maintaining the current territorial status. Those who voted overwhelmingly chose statehood by 97%.
Can a Puerto Rican Be President?
In addition, an April 2000 report by the Congressional Research Service, asserts that citizens born in Puerto Rico are legally defined as natural-born citizens and are therefore eligible to be elected President , provided they meet qualifications of age and 14 years residence within the United States.
How is a new state admitted?
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the ...
Why is Puerto Rico not a state yet?
The political status of Puerto Rico is that of an unincorporated territory of the United States. As such, the island of Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign nation nor a U.S. state. Because of that ambiguity, the territory, as a polity, lacks certain rights but enjoys certain benefits that other polities have or lack.
Do Puerto Ricans pay US taxes?
Well, here is where you must pay close attention. U.S. citizens who have lived all year on the island are exempt from filing taxes to the federal government of the United States as long as all of your income was from Puerto Rican sources only.
Do I need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR's) who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to ...
Why is DC not a state?
Washington, DC, isn't a state; it's a district. ... Its creation comes directly from the US Constitution, which provides that the district, “not exceeding 10 Miles square,” would “become the Seat of the Government of the United States.”
Do Puerto Ricans have US citizenship?
In addition to being United States nationals, people born in Puerto Rico are both citizens of the United States and citizens of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. ...
When did slavery start in Puerto Rico?
African slavery was made legal in the Spanish Caribbean in 1501 . Ten years later, the first black slaves were brought to Puerto Rico in order to work at the foundry established in Caparra (the island's first European settlement).
Why did we take over Puerto Rico?
On July 25, 1898, 16,000 U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico at Guánica, asserting that they were liberating the inhabitants from Spanish colonial rule , which had recently granted the island's government limited autonomy.
What are the 5 requirements to be president?
- be a natural-born U.S. citizen of the United States;
- be at least 35 years old;
- be a resident in the United States for at least 14 years.
How many states approve a new state?
The 11th Article authorized Congress to admit new states to the Union provided nine states consented.
What does Article 4 of the Constitution mean in plain English?
Article Four of the United States Constitution outlines the relationship between the various states, as well as the relationship between each state and the United States federal government . It also empowers Congress to admit new states and administer the territories and other federal lands.
What is Article 4 Section 3 of the Constitution about?
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
Can I move to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes?
U.S. citizens who become bona fide residents of Puerto Rico can maintain their U.S. citizenship, avoid U.S. federal income tax on capital gains , including U.S.-source capital gains, and avoid paying any income tax on interest and dividends from Puerto Rican sources.
