Now more than ever, it is vital for Puerto Rico to have a chance at statehood

The islands of Puerto Rico have been a United States territory for over 125 years. Throughout this time, many discussions over their future have taken place. With Washington, District of Columbia (DC) under a federal takeover and massive changes being made directly to Puerto Rico, it is vital to step back and understand the effects of these actions. There is a striking lack of representation for the islands, and it is more important than ever before for Puerto Rico to have a chance at statehood. 

Currently, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking over the DC police. The president also deployed the National Guard throughout the city. Representative Andy Biggs (R) of Arizona is currently fighting for this control to extend the needed 30 days. Clear overuse of authority is being carried out, and that can extend outside of DC.

With this in mind, it is vital to remember Puerto Rico’s status as a territory. Being a territory means that Puerto Ricans are unable to vote in presidential elections. This limits their representation nationally. It also shows that, as a territory, the islands are under a different kind of control. 

Because it is a territory, the islands of Puerto Rico cannot address status issues on their own. Concerns relating to the territories’ governance must go through Congress. Under the Territorial Clause, it is up to Congress to make choices regarding the political status of the islands. 

“The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States.” Article IV, section III, clause II of the US Constitution states.

Accompanying this, the Trump administration dismissed six out of the seven members of Puerto Rico’s federal control board. These are Arthur Gonzalez, Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater, and Luis Ubiñas. All members who lost their positions were Democrats. The federal control board focuses on the finances of Puerto Rico, which is already facing hardship and fragility. Nearly half of Puerto Rican adults, 47%, reported being financially unstable in 2024.

Given the state of the US government and the clear use of federal control, Puerto Rico deserves a chance to make its own choices. The majority of Puerto Ricans desire statehood, as shown by a mock vote in 2020. In the years prior, votes were also held in 2012 and 2017 with similar results. These votes make it clear how long this desire for representation has been going on.

In 2021, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (NPP, R), who was later elected governor of Puerto Rico, spoke for the people of the islands on this topic. She was vocal about how Puerto Ricans are affected by the lack of statehood.

“We cannot vote for our commander-in-chief, we do not have four members of Congress, and yet Congress has all power over us,” she said.

Between DC federal control, a lack of voting rights and representation, and direct changes being made to the territory, it is vital for Puerto Ricans to be able to choose their future. If the Capital of the US undergoes such federal constrictions, then those ideas of federal control could reach beyond DC.  The Trump Administration is already acting to change the islands. Having statehood would allow for Puerto Rico to not only have a voice but also personal protection. Now more than ever, it is crucial for Puerto Rico to have the equality it deserves.