Puerto Rico: What Other Americans Should Know

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in late September, leaving many of its 3.4 million residents desperately seeking safe drinking water, food, and shelter. Nearly the entire island was without electricity—and was expected to remain that way for months. The total damage to Puerto Rico, which already had a struggling economy, is estimated to be between $45 billion and $95 billion.

In the wake of the catastrophe, many people have questions about Puerto Rico. For example, some people do not realize that the Caribbean island is part of the United States. A new poll found that only 54 percent of Americans know that Puerto Ricans are Americans too. Read on for answers to questions you might have about Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in late September. It left many of the island’s 3.4 million residents desperate to find safe drinking water, food, and shelter. Nearly the entire island was without electricity and expected to remain that way for months. Puerto Rico already had a failing economy. The total damage from the hurricane is estimated to be between $45 billion and $95 billion.

Many people have questions about Puerto Rico. Some do not realize that the Caribbean island is part of the United States. A new poll found that only 54 percent of Americans know that Puerto Ricans are Americans too. Read on for answers to questions you might have about Puerto Rico.

Yes. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1940, people born in Puerto Rico have the same birthright U.S. citizenship as people born in the 50 states. As citizens, Puerto Ricans can travel to the U.S. mainland without a passport.

Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló of Puerto Rico emphasized Puerto Ricans’ citizenship status when he pleaded for federal aid after Hurricane Maria. “Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States, can turn into a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “To avoid that, recognize that we Puerto Ricans are American citizens.”

Yes. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1940, people born in Puerto Rico have the same birthright U.S. citizenship as people born in the 50 states. Puerto Ricans are citizens and can travel to the U.S. mainland without a passport.

Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló of Puerto Rico stressed Puerto Ricans’ citizenship status when he called for federal aid after Hurricane Maria. “Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States, can turn into a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “To avoid that, recognize that we Puerto Ricans are American citizens.”

Many Puerto Ricans are in favor of statehood. Some say becoming a state would boost the island’s failing economy. In a June referendum, 97 percent of votes cast favored making the island the 51st state. However, voter turnout was low, and it’s ultimately up to Congress to decide whether to admit Puerto Rico as a state. So far, Congress hasn’t acted, and it isn’t expected to do so soon.

Many Puerto Ricans are in favor of statehood. Some say that becoming a state would help the island’s failing economy. In a June referendum, 97 percent of votes cast were for making the island the 51st state. But voter turnout was low. In the end, it is up to Congress to decide whether to admit Puerto Rico as a state. So far, Congress has not acted. It is not expected to do so soon.

The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico as a territory after the Spanish-American War (1898). In 1952, Puerto Rico became a U.S. commonwealth, the status it holds today. What that means in practical terms is complicated. For example, most of Puerto Rico’s residents don’t pay federal personal income taxes. They do, however, pay most other U.S. taxes. 

Like a state, the island has an elected legislature and a governor. It also has a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. The delegate can serve on committees, introduce bills, and suggest amendments, but cannot vote on laws. Puerto Rico has no representation in the U.S. Senate.

The U.S. got Puerto Rico as a territory after the Spanish-American War (1898). In 1952, Puerto Rico became a U.S. commonwealth. This is the status it holds today. What that means in practical terms is complex. For example, most of Puerto Rico’s residents do not pay federal personal income taxes. But they do pay most other U.S. taxes.

The island has an elected legislature and a governor, like a state. It also has a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. The delegate can serve on committees, introduce bills, and suggest amendments. But that person cannot vote on laws. Puerto Rico has no representation in the U.S. Senate.

About 5.4 million, more than live on the island itself. Migration to the U.S. mainland started around 1910 and exploded after World War II (1939-1945). The movement has increased in recent years, as Puerto Rico struggles with poverty and unemployment. From 2006 to 2015, more than 10 percent of Puerto Rico’s population left the island for the mainland. New York, Florida, and New Jersey are home to the most Puerto Ricans.

About 5.4 million. That is more than live on the island itself. Movement to the U.S. mainland started around 1910. It exploded after World War II (1939-1945). The movement has increased in recent years because of Puerto Rico’s struggles with poverty and unemployment. From 2006 to 2015, more than 10 percent of Puerto Rico’s population left the island and moved to the mainland. New York, Florida, and New Jersey are home to the most Puerto Ricans.