What Do Puerto Rico Get from USA?

**jankren** · February 24, 2008, 04:33 PM

So what benefits Puerto Rico get from being a commonwealth tied to USA? And if they get independence will it be better for them or they will lose something?

**JP226** · February 24, 2008, 04:40 PM

American dollars

**Farnan** · February 24, 2008, 07:33 PM

Puerto Rico has multiple times voted to stay part of the country.

As part of the US they don't have to pay tarrifs on goods sent to the US, get protection from the US, are considered US citizens, can join the US Military, and I believe are given welfare benefits. In 1998 they held a referendum on future status and only 2.5% wanted independence, the other percent was split between becoming a commonwealth within the US (.3%), becoming a state (46.7%) and keeping their current status (50.5%).

As they are not a state they are exempt from Federal income tax, but have no voting members of Congress and can't vote for President.

The other US territories with populations are Guam(which has no real independence movement as economy is dependent on military base), Northern Mariana Islands (another place with no real independence movement), US Virgin Islands (No knowledge of any independence movement), and American Samoa (As they are the most fertile ground for the US Military, I very much doubt any want independence).

**Pontifex Maximus** · February 24, 2008, 07:35 PM

They are essentially independant. From what I have heard from Puerto Ricans, they are happy with the US involvement because it stimulates their econoomy. Plus, they don't have to pay taxes.

**Farnan** · February 24, 2008, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by _Pontifex_

They are essentially independant. From what I have heard from Puerto Ricans, they are happy with the US involvement because it stimulates their econoomy. Plus, they don't have to pay taxes.

They still have to pay payroll taxes, just not income taxes. Also they are still subject to Federal law, though they get about as much rights as a state does in self-government. They just can't vote for President or voting members of Congress.

If they get independence they will use US citizenship, US protection, have to pay tarrifs, lose US bussiness, and Federal Aid. Pretty much independence will turn them into a third world nation.

**jankren** · February 24, 2008, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by The Man With No Name

If they get independence they will use US citizenship, US protection, have to pay tarrifs, lose US bussiness, and Federal Aid. Pretty much independence will turn them into a third world nation.

But even now Puerto Rico does not look very different than average third world countries. I wonder why not all Puerto Ricans just move to mainland USA?

**Dayman** · February 24, 2008, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by jankren

But even now Puerto Rico does not look very different than average third world countries.

It depends. Some parts are nice.

I wonder why not all Puerto Ricans just move to mainland USA?

Wait, you mean they haven't all moved into my neighborhood by now?

**Earl of Rochester** · February 24, 2008, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by jankren

But even now Puerto Rico does not look very different than average third world countries. I wonder why not all Puerto Ricans just move to mainland USA?

The GDP per capita is $20,058. That is substantially higher than other countries in the region, and about twice as much as most Eastern European countries. There is still huge wealth disparity, but certainly Puerto Rico is MUCH better off than other countries in the region and in fact most places around the world.

**~~Petite Pete~~** · February 24, 2008, 09:16 PM

I would like to add that next year Puerto Rico and the other US territories will all have their own quarter dollar coins minted to commemorate them just all the states did these last ten years.

**Lawrence of Arabia** · February 24, 2008, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by Petite Pete

I would like to add that next year Puerto Rico and the other US territories will all have their own quarter dollar coins minted to commemorate them just all the states did these last ten years.

Really? I did not know that. How interesting.

**Richard** · February 26, 2008, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Petite Pete

I would like to add that next year Puerto Rico and the other US territories will all have their own quarter dollar coins minted to commemorate them just all the states did these last ten years.

That's a nice idea.

**Ma'ahes** · February 25, 2008, 01:49 AM

True, but one has to wonder how much of that prosperity is due to being a US territory. Anyways, I think it's a moot point since the territories can declare independence but none of them really seem to want it.

**Farnan** · February 25, 2008, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by Ma'ahes

True, but one has to wonder how much of that prosperity is due to being a US territory. Anyways, I think it's a moot point since the territories can declare independence but none of them really seem to want it.

Think about it, there are certain advantages to having the worlds most powerful economy and military supporting you.

Anyways Puerto Rico's ruling party wants to transition to a Freely Associated Republic, meaning they pretty stay how they are except they are allowed to conduct foreign policy. It would be sort of like the bond between Canada and the UK except with joint citizenship, shared military (Puerto Rican National Guard is part of the US Military) and other shared aspects.

**King Edward III** · February 25, 2008, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by The Man With No Name

It would be sort of like the bond between Canada and the UK except with joint citizenship, shared military (Puerto Rican National Guard is part of the US Military) and other shared aspects.