Pros and Cons of Puerto Rico Becoming a State

After falling out of the hands of the Spanish colony, Puerto Rico gained the citizenship of the US in the year 1917. It became a commonwealth in the year 1952. However, Puerto Rico still doesn’t relish all of those rights that other US states do.

Although they are allowed to join the US military and they may purchase lands in the US, they are still deprived of the basic rights like the right to vote in various elections. Thus, there has been a long ongoing argument on making this island the 51st state of the US.

Though many have extended their support to make the island a US state, some have also opposed it. Here we have summarized the pros and cons that go with the decision of Puerto Rico becoming a state.

PROS

Increased Economy

Statehood being rendered to Puerto Rico would offer it a better economic position. As the island would be a part of the larger US economy, there will be an increase in entrepreneurship, tourism, and business investment in Puerto Rico.

Moreover, it would also add to the US economy. As per reports, Puerto Rico costs over USD20 billion a year to the US. However, after gaining statehood, it can contribute around USD2 billion to the economy of the US each year.

More Opportunities

Puerto Rico would enjoy the same growth opportunities as those of other states of the USA. Today, a great percentage of people of Puerto Rico are living under the poverty line. However, after Puerto Rico becoming a state, there will be more job opportunities along with other income-generating opportunities. It will not only be effective in pulling them out of their hardships but will also improve the quality of life of Puerto Ricans.

End of the Financial Crisis

Having a statehood would bring more power and prosperity to the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico. Moreover, the biggest benefit would be the end of the financial crisis that Puerto Ricans have been struggling with since 2006. Besides, as the island is one of the most populous colonies of the world, statehood would generate more new opportunities in the Caribbean region.

Better Government System

Puerto Rico doesn’t have complete electoral representation in congress, since it is a territory and not a state. They do not have authority or control over their own affairs.

Also, they cannot vote for the laws being applied to them on the island. However, after becoming a state, they would have full representation. Also, they will get to vote on the laws being implied in Puerto Rico.

Right to Vote

People of Puerto Rico have been denied their voting rights in various elections because of their status as a territory. They can only vote for their governor and Resident Commissioner. After earning statehood, they would be allowed to participate in the whole democratic processes. They would be able to vote in the elections for senators as well as for presidential election.

More Tax Revenues

Including Puerto Rico in the state count of the US would bring a lot of revenues every year for the Federal Reserve. Sales and income taxes received from the inhabitants of Puerto Rico would add to the overall yearly revenue of the US. Thus, it will boost the economy of the US.

Better Healthcare Facilities

The present healthcare system of Puerto Rico is not up to the mark as it doesn’t have the same regulations and healthcare laws as that of the other states of the US. Therefore, after becoming a state, they will have better healthcare facilities. They will have the access to the medical programs and government medicine of the United States.

Entry into the Global Trade Market

Once the island is given the status of the US state, they would be able to use various trade alliances, treaties, and agreements. Thus, it would allow them to set their foot in the global trade market, which will boost theirs as well as the US economy.

CONS

Cultural Loss

Many citizens of Puerto Rico believe that they might lose their rich culture after becoming a state. Along with the native language, their whole heritage and other cultural aspects would be at stake as they won’t be identified as an individual nation. Also, they might lose certain privileges that they have more than other territories under the supervision of the federal government.

Increase in the Poverty and Crime Rate

Numbers of crimes rates, poverty, and unemployment are already high in Puerto Rico. Once the island gets integrated into the US, then these numbers would become part of statistics of the US. Therefore, poverty and crime rate would invariably spike in the United States

Language Barrier

Language could be the biggest barrier between the Puerto Ricans who speak their native Spanish language and the English-speaking US nation. Although English is a part of their education system, Puerto Ricans treat it as a foreign language.

Enforced Income Tax

The major reason why Puerto Rico often holds back the idea of statehood is that they would not be exempted from federal income taxes anymore. If they get conferred with the title of state then they would have to pay federal taxes which may add more burden to the struggling section of the island. Also, it may curb their business opportunities.

Loss of Individual Identity in Competitions

At present, Puerto Rico participates in international competitions like the Olympic Games and Beauty Pageants as an independent nation. However, if this territory gets to turn into a state, then they would lose their individuality and would have to perform in competitions under the US flag instead of their own.

Payment of Debt

As mentioned earlier, Puerto Rico is going through a financial crisis since 2006 and it is under a huge debt. If Puerto Rico becomes the part of the US, then all the responsibility of its debt would fall on the shoulders of the United States. The US would be held accountable for all the financial crisis of Puerto Rico.

The abrupt change in the US Politics

Conferring statehood to Puerto Rico would abruptly change the structure of congress and the overall shape of the politics of the United States. Furthermore, it would also lead to the change in the number of electoral votes for the presidential election.

Causing Resentment

People who want to remain separate territory from the US or disagree with this integration may raise their voice against it, which may cause the development of resentment. This resentment may lead to the disruption of peace and could be dangerous for Puerto Ricans.