By CANDICE MADSEN
In a cliffhanger vote, the House approved historic legislation March 4 that could eventually lead to Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state in the nation. The bill passed by the narrowest of margins — one vote.
The United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act would leave the fate of Puerto Rico’s statehood in the hands of Puerto Ricans. If the legislation becomes law, Puerto Rico would be required to vote by the end of the year on whether or not it wishes to become a state, an independent country or to remain a commonwealth.
Congressman Chris Cannon, R-Provo, voted in favor of the bill. Steve Taggart, Cannon’s Administrative Assistant, said Cannon voted for the bill because it would put in place a process that could lead to statehood.
However, Taggart said Puerto Rico will have to make a case for itself and present a 10-year plan on how Puerto Rico will make the transition from a commonwealth to a state or independent country before the final decision is made.
“A vote in favor of the bill does not mean a vote for statehood,” Taggart said.
Heriberto Rivera, 22, a native of Puerto Rico, majoring in international relations, said while it would be very beneficial for Puerto Rico to become a state, he does not believe it will happen.
Rivera said the commonwealth movement is much stronger.
“Puerto Ricans are very proud of their culture. We don’t want to loose our flag, our anthem or our Olympic team,” Rivera said.
Another concern to predominantly Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans is the English language requirements.
Richard Jackson, BYU professor of geography, said his estimate is that Puerto Ricans will opt to remain as they are.
“They have most of the benefits of a citizen and also enjoy certain tax advantages,” Jackson said.
Jackson said what many people do not understand or realize is that Puerto Ricans are United States citizens, just as much as anyone born in the states. However, Puerto Rico, as a commonwealth, is not granted the same rights as those of a state.
One of the primary rights Puerto Rico does not enjoy is the opportunity to vote for President of the United States.
“We are ruled by a president we don’t get to choose,” Rivera said.
Rivera said he would like statehood to happen so he would have a reason to return and raise his family in Puerto Rico.
“I don’t want to raise my kids in the same environment I was raised in mainly for educational reasons,” Rivera said.
The bill still has yet to pass the Senate, where many believe it will become a dead issue.
