Congress is considering a Bill that could potentially lead to Statehood for Puerto Rico. As it stands right now, Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth and Protectorate of the United States. Their people pay no federal income tax, have no voting rights on federal elections, and no representation in Congress – but they are considered citizens of the United States. They can freely come into the country and can work here. They hold U.S. Passports. If Puerto Ricans move to th United States Proper, they do have voting rights in all elections (and pay income tax on all income earned within the 50 states). They are not currently a state, nor do the majority (46.5% of those polled) of Puerto Ricans wish for Statehood.

The Bill the Congress is attempting to vote on would do a few things. It would call for Puerto Rico to hold a vote asking all of their citizens (including those living in the States) if they would like to maintain or change their political status. If the vote is in favor of maintaining their Protectorate status, the Bill would allow the vote to be brought up every eight years. If Puerto Ricans vote to change their political status, they have three choices: independence, Statehood, or some other “common association between sovereign nations.”

Even if Puerto Ricans voted for Statehood, it is not binding. Congress would then need to approve Puerto Rico for Statehood. And really, there is little benefit to Puerto Ricans to become a state. They already abide our laws and have our protection. But they don’t pay federal income tax. If they become a state, they will have to. However, they would also receive recognition in Congress which is something that many Puerto Ricans desire should they maintain a relationship with the United States.

It is a complicated matter. There is no easy solution. And Puerto Rico is not the only Protectorate with this concern. There is also Guam – where the majority of inhabitants do want Statehood. Of course Republicans fear that if we add a 51st start to the flag, it will lead to more Democrats in Congress (and God forbid that happen!) so they are referring to this as the “Statehood” Bill rather than what it is – a new determination on the status of Puerto Rico and a chance for the people there to have their say. If they people don’t want it, we aren’t making them.  But if they do want it, shouldn’t we let them say so?