Residents of Puerto Rico have voiced their opposition to the idea of becoming the 51st state of the United States, citing concerns over potential economic turmoil and the loss of cultural identity. Interviews conducted in San Juan revealed that many fear statehood could lead to increased taxes and higher living costs. Carly, a Puerto Rican resident now living in Connecticut, expressed her concerns about rising taxes and low wages on the island. The debate over statehood has been ongoing since Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, with significant implications for taxation and federal program treatment.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón, a proponent of statehood, argues that it is essential for achieving equality for Puerto Ricans, who currently do not have voting rights in presidential elections. A nonbinding referendum held in November 2024 showed that 59% of voters favored statehood, while 29% preferred independence and 12% chose associated independence. Some residents, like Angelie, advocate for independence, believing Puerto Rico has the potential to thrive as a sovereign nation. Others, like Luis, express skepticism about the island's readiness for independence due to its reliance on federal funding. Concerns about cultural erosion were also raised, with residents fearing that statehood would lead to further Americanization of Puerto Rico.