Puerto Rico should be a state

While most of the attention on Election Day surrounded Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the presidency was not the only issue that would affect Americans. On Nov. 2, 61 percent of Puerto Ricans voted for statehood as the best alternative to its current commonwealth status, an action that could make the territory the 51st state.

Though the measure awaits Congress’ approval before the tiny island of only 3,500 square miles and fewer than 4 million inhabitants can achieve statehood, it is time that the government extend full rights and obligations to citizens of the unincorporated territory.

The status of Puerto Rico has always been a murky, sometimes unfair, one. Under control by the United States since 1898 and given citizenship status in 1917, the island’s residents still cannot vote in presidential elections. Though they are subjected to federal law, residents only have to pay some federal taxes. Companies, for example, do not have to pay business taxes.

The non-binding referendum voted on by Puerto Ricans contained two parts: 54 percent of citizens voted to change Puerto Rico’s status as a commonwealth, while 61 percent said that statehood would be the best alternative.

If Puerto Rico were to become a state, the United States could benefit economically from the added tax revenue, while Puerto Rico could receive $20 billion in added support for dealing with its own economic troubles and high unemployment rate, according to the Washington Post.

The territory would also receive actual representation in U.S. government; Puerto Rico would gain five seats in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.

Despite the advantages, the addition of Puerto Rico as a state does have its consequences; apart from the obvious issue of where to put a 51st star on the American flag, the likely democratic state of mainly Hispanic voters could significantly sway Senate and House majorities.

The journey to statehood is still a long one. The measure not only must be approved by Congress, but also must be supported by the island’s government, which currently is headed by a governor in opposition to statehood.

The American people, however, are ready for this change. A new national flag with Puerto Rico’s 51st star has already been created and President Obama has made plans to support the Puerto Rican people in their quest to become a state. The Puerto Rican governor, though opposed to statehood, has also said that he will take further steps to help solve the status issue.

Although it may take years to finalize a solution, it’s time that the American public prepare and be willing to accept this potential change. Puerto Rican citizens deserve the ability to vote in elections and be fully represented as a part of the United States.