Becoming the 51st U.S. state?
Reasons why it should
Puerto Ricans would live better, on their own turf, a win‐win for all
[…] In becoming a U.S. state, Puerto Ricans could enjoy both the benefits associated was statehood
and the tools needed to develop their own industry and workforce on the island. Statehood would
increase local job opportunities, bring about income creation benefits and enable locals to receive
better health care, which they are already paying for, but do not currently benefit from. What's
more, with Puerto Ricans enjoying statehood benefits from the comfort of their own homes, they
would be able to pursue ‐ and live‐ the American Dream in their own country.
Puerto Ricans deserve a say in the laws that affect them
If, according to American history, “all men are equal in the eyes of the law,” then why don't Puerto
Ricans have equal say in the laws they must uphold? The U.S. currently controls Puerto Rico’s
external affairs and federal regulations, yet Puerto Ricans are ineligible to vote in the U.S.
Presidential elections and have only one non‐voting representative in the House. With almost 4
million citizens living in Puerto Rico, U.S. statehood would enable Puerto Ricans to be represented
by two Senators. They would also be allowed to vote in U.S. federal elections and on issues, bills
and reforms that affect them.
The U.S. would be able to fight tax evasion more effectively
The United States does not impose any federal income tax on U.S. citizens who are residents of the
island and prophet from Puerto Rican sources. Adding Puerto Rico to the U.S. state register would
require these citizens residing and working in Puerto Rico to pay federal income taxes, significantly
boosting the Federal Reserve’s annual revenues. […]
Reasons it should not
Many Puerto Ricans don't really want statehood
Although the 97% pro‐statehood vote in a July 2017 referendum has been hailed as near unanimous
support, less than 25% of Puert Ricans bothered to show up at the polls at all. Many citizens are
concerned about their rights and independence as a U.S. state. They do not want to lose their unique
cultural heritage and Spanish language, which is more similar to that of Latin America then to the
U.S. Puerto Ricans are also concerned that they will lose their international standings including the
recognition as an individual Olympic team. […]
The US would inherit Puerto Rico’s debt
The Commonwealth filed for bankruptcy in May 2017. […] If you’re granted statehood, the U.S.
would inherit this debt. The question is, can the U.S. cope with the challenges that making Puerto
Rico a state would impose, or would America drown in the process? Having been hit hard by the
economic drown downturn, Puerto Rico my just be considered too much of a burden¹ on the U.S.
national treasury.
Forget statehood , Puerto Rico should be fully independent […]
As already discussed, because Puerto Rico is a U.S. colony, it is dependent on and constrained by
U.S federal regulations and laws. Transitioning into independence would let Puerto Rico address its
debts crisis on its own terms and the grants its inhabitants the right to self‐determination. Doing so
would give more power to the people, as they would be able to hold accountable elected
representatives at all levels of government. […]
The bottom line: Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. state could potentially provide an impoverished
Island with a fighting chance of equality, but at hefty² costs to local industry and U.S. funds. Do you
think Puerto Rico should become America's 51st state?
Talia Kleinn Perez, hould Puerto Rico become the 51st state? The Perspective, 2019
1. Heavy weight 2. large, big
1. List the arguments in favour and against Puerto Rico becoming a US state. Use linking words to
present each side’s argument. (first, on the other hand, moreover...)
Talk about the economy, the financial help, voting, politics, responsibility, accountability and health
care.
2. Rephrase and explain the last paragraph in your own words, using examples from the text.
3. Two politicians discuss if Puerto Rico should become a US state. Write a dialogue.
