What would happen if Puerto Rico became independent?

Puerto Rico would become a sovereign nation with its own political system, language, culture, and membership in the United Nations. 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.

Could Puerto Rico become its own country?

The legislation would establish a binding process for a referendum in Puerto Rico that would allow voters to choose among allowing the territory to become a state, an independent country or a sovereign government aligned with the United States.

What would happen if Puerto Rico became a state?

Benefits of statehood include an additional $10 billion per year in federal funds, the right to vote in presidential elections, higher Social Security and Medicare benefits, and a right for its government agencies and municipalities to file for bankruptcy.

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.

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.

De-Colonization Debate Heats Up In Puerto Rico

Why does the US want to keep Puerto Rico?

The strategic value of Puerto Rico for the United States at the end of the nineteenth century centered in economic and military interests. The island's value to US policy makers was as an outlet for excess manufactured goods, as well as a key naval station in the Caribbean.

What are the benefits of Puerto Rico becoming independent?

Proponents of statehood argue that making Puerto Rico the 51st state would give it the tools and authority to sort out its own financial issues, and bring an increase in disability benefits, Social Security benefits, and Medicaid funding.

Do Puerto Ricans pay U.S. taxes?

More In Help. If you're a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico during the entire tax year, you generally aren't required to file a U.S. federal income tax return if your only income is from sources within Puerto Rico.

Can US citizens just move to Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898 when the U.S. acquired it at the end of the Spanish-American war. (It also happens to be the most populated U.S. territory!) If you're a U.S. citizen, this means an easy transition for you. No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate.

Why is Hawaii a state but not Puerto Rico?

In 1900, Hawaii became a territory, and Dole became its first governor. Puerto Rico is not a state because it has the political status of an unincorporated territory of the United States. As a result, Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign nation nor a state of the United States.

What are the benefits of Puerto Rico being a state?

Statehood. Proponents of statehood, including the island's other major party, the New Progressive Party, say it would finally make Puerto Ricans full citizens. Additionally, the island could receive up to $12.5 billion more in federal benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid, according to recent estimates.

Why doesn't Puerto Rico become a country?

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States invaded and occupied Puerto Rico. At the war's conclusion, Spain ceded the islands to the U.S. as part of the treaty of Paris, which ended the conflict. The U.S. established a civilian government with a U.S.-appointed governor.

What are the cons of living in Puerto Rico?

Would Puerto Rico be a third world country?

It's not. Puerto Rico is richer than Portugal or Spain, and Portugal or Spain is considered developed. In fact, Puerto Rico is the double richer than all Latin America.

Why are rich people moving to Puerto Rico?

Bitcoin millionaires are moving to Puerto Rico for lower taxes and island living. Bitcoin enthusiasts are flocking to Puerto Rico, thanks to tax breaks and an island lifestyle. As the community grows, it's attracting more newcomers from the states as well as curious locals. But not everybody's happy about the influx.

Where do most Americans live in Puerto Rico?

Relocating to Puerto Rico

Most expats settle in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, or in the south in Ponce, its second-largest city. Carros Públicos (public cars) allow you to travel all over the island and reach even remote areas.

Can US citizen buy property in Puerto Rico?

Because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, there are no restrictions on Americans acquiring property on the island. Another advantage is that U.S. citizens don't have to go through customs when traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland—this can be a big time saver.

Do Americans move to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes?

If you move to the island, you can legally pay none. There's also no capital gains tax. You just have to give 4 percent of your income to Puerto Rico. The tax break was started by a Puerto Rican politician who'd watched years of high taxes fail to improve life on the island.

How long can a US citizen stay in Puerto Rico?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is the online visa with which you can travel to Puerto Rico or any other state of the United States. This visa allows multiple entries within 2 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry.

Do Puerto Ricans pay into Social Security?

Federal taxes. Residents of Puerto Rico are required to pay most types of federal taxes. Specifically, residents of Puerto Rico pay customs taxes, Federal commodity taxes, and all payroll taxes (also known as FICA taxes, which include (a) Social Security, (b) Medicare, and Unemployment taxes).

Can you become US president if born in Puerto Rico?

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.

Does Puerto Rico have a military purpose for the United States?

A branch of the U.S. Army National Guard is stationed in Puerto Rico —known as the Puerto Rico Army National Guard— which performs missions equivalent to those of the Army National Guards of the different states of the United States, including ground defense, disaster relief, and control of civil unrest.

Are Puerto Rico citizens considered U.S. citizens?

Individuals born in Puerto Rico are considered citizens of the United States. Residents of Puerto Rico cannot vote in federal elections, but they do elect a non-voting resident commissioner to Congress. The United States federal government also does not collect income tax from those residing on the island.

Is Puerto Rico in a crisis?

Puerto Rico's Economic Crisis: Overview and Recommendations for Action. Puerto Rico and its more than 3.5 million residents are in crisis.

Is Puerto Rico a poor or rich country?

Although there are extremes of wealth and poverty in Puerto Rico, from at least the 1970s the island traditionally had a large middle class. Its median household income is far below that of the United States, but the vast majority of Puerto Ricans live a modest middle-class existence by Caribbean standards.