The Current Status of Puerto Rico: Debunking the Myths and Understanding the Realities

Every few years, residents of Puerto Rico vote on their preferred political status, ranging from full independence to statehood or commonwealth status. Currently, they prefer the commonwealth arrangement, despite its often misleading label.

Understanding Puerto Rico’s Political Landscape

Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Caribbean island and an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Its 3.2 million residents hold U.S. citizenship, providing them access to U.S. services and benefits. However, Puerto Ricans face significant limitations in political representation. They cannot vote in presidential elections nor do they have voting representation in Congress. This unique status reflects a complex arrangement that isn't adequately described by the term ‘commonwealth’ in English.

The Misleading Nature of the Term ‘Commonwealth’

Ten years ago, in the English-speaking world, Puerto Rico was often referred to as a ‘commonwealth’, a term that might lead many to believe that the island contributes significantly to the U.S. economy or that it enjoys a high level of autonomy. However, when one considers the word 'commonwealth' in relation to U.S. territories, it often implies a degree of political and economic wealth that Puerto Rico does not possess.

On the contrary, Puerto Rico is the poorest U.S. possession, with a GDP per capita that is significantly below the U.S. average. The term 'possession' is often used to describe U.S. territories, drawing an analogy to the colonial era, which further underscores the island's status as a territory rather than a true commonwealth.

The Terminology in Spanish

Interestingly, Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans refer to their status as a “Free Associated State” (Estado Libre Asociado) rather than a commonwealth. This terminology also highlights the discrepancies in how the status is understood and presented to the residents of the island. The term 'Free Associated State' more accurately reflects the residents' lack of full political and economic autonomy.

Contrasting with States

Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory, falls somewhere in between a state and an independent country. Its residents enjoy many benefits of U.S. citizenship, including access to federal services and social security, but they experience significant limitations in political representation.

About 90% of Puerto Rico’s citizens pay no federal income tax on locally generated earnings, but the Puerto Rican government's income tax rates are set to closely match federal-plus-state levies in the mainland U.S. This arrangement means that residents may benefit financially from certain federal programs while still being subject to federal laws and military service.

Critical Examination of Federal Policies

While Puerto Rico receives aspects of federal aid, such as social services and infrastructure funding, this support is often not on par with what is provided to states. This highlights the inequality in federal spending between territories and states.

The lack of voting representation in presidential elections and Congress means that Puerto Rico's residents have a limited say in shaping U.S. policies that directly impact their lives. Yet, they are fully subject to federal laws and can be drafted into the U.S. military. This situation has led many to question whether the current status of Puerto Rico truly aligns with the principles of democracy and true commonwealth status.

The status of Puerto Rico is neither a state nor an independent country, making it the 'ideal' arrangement for Washington, D.C., as it benefits from the economic and strategic value of the territory without any significant political or financial burden.

To better understand the complexities of Puerto Rico's political status, it is crucial to recognize the nuances in how the term 'commonwealth' is used, the legal and practical limitations it imposes, and the broader implications for the island's residents and their future.