A Compromise for the Debate Surrounding Puerto Rico’s status

Opinion | Naomi Smoyer

Puerto Rico (PR) is a United States (U.S) territory in the Caribbean. It was ceded to the U.S after the Spanish and American war and, labeled as a ‘Commonwealth,’ the island has been subjected to 126 years of U.S. colonialism. The culture is grounded in Hispanic tradition and previous Spanish colonization during the 19^th century. This combination created a distinct and separate culture from northern America.

Concern about Puerto Rico’s political status date back to 1950 in a nationalist revolt led by Albizu Campos who fought for Puerto Rico’s independence. While the movement was unsuccessful, it demonstrated citizen’s dissatisfaction with the current political status. Currently, Puerto Rico’s colonial status is an issue debated in a post-colonial era. Specifically involving economic limitations. Economic discussion about decolonization questions whether Puerto Rico should become independent or a state.

Statehood advocates strive for economic stability by obtaining full benefits of a U.S. state. Becoming a part of the United States could help reduce growing issues with Puerto Rico’s economy. PR faces sharp income inequality and high rates of unemployment. Over half the population receives food stamps under the U.S. food stamp program. Puerto Rico’s reliance on U.S. and concern of losing these benefits fuels support for statehood. As a state, Puerto Rico could benefit from federal funding plans that other states possess, like Medicare and Medicaid. These benefits would increase healthcare access and could alleviate existing economic strains. Hurricanes are detrimental and frequently impact the island. Full access to U.S federal disaster relief would ensure quicker and more extensive recovery from hurricanes. Statehood could also attract American businesses and tourism, further boosting the economy.

Desire for statehood is driven by a strive for economic improvement, yet economic issues on the island are largely caused by U.S policies. While it is unnecessary to cut all ties with the U.S, having some economic independence is essential for long term development.   

When U.S first annexed Puerto Rico, the economy was exploited by the sugar cultivation. Economic activity was directed towards the production of this cash crop for the States, making PR into a one crop economy. Although no longer dependent on sugar, this situation demonstrates how Puerto Rico was economically exploited and subjected to vulnerability by the United States. More recently, the Jones Act is a maritime law requiring all goods shipped to Puerto Rico be transported on US-built, owned, registered, and crewed vessels. This act harms the Puerto Rican economy by restricting trade with other countries and raising the prices for foreign goods. Economic independence would release trading limitations and relieve the economic burden the Act has caused. Puerto Rico could take control of their economy by establishing its own trade agreements and invest in local enterprises and industries instead of depending on U.S. aid.

With economic independence, Puerto Rico would not be limited to aid from America. The island would have access to programs developed by the United Nations (UN), including financial aid, education, healthcare, and natural disaster relief. These programs could assist PR’s economic development and aid the island from hurricane effects. With independence, the Puerto Rican government would be able to prioritize spending without federal oversight, ensuring local needs are met, further promoting economic growth.

Most Puerto Ricans value their Hispanic culture and traditions. Tourism overruns the former colony-turned state of Hawaii. It now faces rapid cultural decline and appropriation despite efforts of revival. Complete affiliation with the U.S may pose a threat to the rich culture of Puerto Rico. It is also agreeable that the economic crisis must be addressed and the relationship with the United States is important to maintain.

To secure Puerto Rico’s economic stability and cultural preservation, the divide must come to a compromise. By considering pro-statehood’s main concerns with economic reliance on the U.S, we want to introduce a 3rd option: Free Association. This option would allow Puerto Rico to maintain economic ties with U.S. Unlike full independence, free association allows Puerto Rico to govern itself as an independent entity while sharing defense, aid, and trade with the United States. This plan satisfies the pro-statehood desire for U.S. support while allowing Puerto Rico to preserve its culture. Free association would also allow support and trade from other countries, further boosting economic growth. Puerto Rico could additionally turn to aid from other countries instead of relying solely on the U.S.

Changing the political status to a free association will protect Puerto Rico’s culture while maintaining a positive relationship with the United States. This status could promote relations with other countries as well. Not limiting trade to just the U.S. would further contribute to PR’s growth and prosperity. This is the most viable option to satisfy the motives for both statehood and independence, ultimately ensuring long-term development and sustainability.