Puerto Rican Citizenship Explained (Secret Benefits) 🇵🇷

Summary

This video delves into Puerto Rican citizenship, exploring its unique status as a U.S. territory. While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birth, they hold a distinct Puerto Rican citizenship, which, although symbolic, is crucial for cultural identity. The video discusses the limitations and advantages of living in Puerto Rico, including tax exemptions and limited access to federal programs. It also highlights Puerto Rico’s potential political future—statehood or independence—and how Puerto Rican citizenship can benefit those seeking quicker paths to citizenship in Spain and Latin American countries. Overall, the video sheds light on the intricacies of Puerto Rican identity and citizenship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Puerto Rico is a US territory, not a state, meaning Puerto Ricans are US citizens by birth but have limited political rights.
• 😀 Puerto Ricans hold both US citizenship and a symbolic, cultural Puerto Rican citizenship, which offers identity and pride benefits.
• 😀 Puerto Rican citizenship certificates can be obtained by residents or descendants of Puerto Ricans, even if born outside Puerto Rico.
• 😀 Puerto Ricans do not pay federal income taxes on income earned within Puerto Rico but still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.
• 😀 Puerto Rico's political status prevents full representation in Congress—Puerto Ricans elect a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives.
• 😀 Puerto Ricans do not have voting rights in US presidential elections unless they live in one of the 50 states.
• 😀 Puerto Ricans moving to the mainland US gain full US citizenship rights, including the ability to vote in federal elections.
• 😀 Certain federal programs like SSI and some Medicaid benefits are limited or unavailable in Puerto Rico, creating gaps in the social safety net.
• 😀 There is an ongoing debate about Puerto Rico's future: should it remain a territory, become a state, or pursue independence?
• 😀 A significant benefit of Puerto Rican citizenship is that it grants Puerto Ricans (and their descendants) an accelerated path to citizenship in Spain and several Latin American countries, including a 2-year path in Spain and Mexico.
• 😀 Having Puerto Rican citizenship can provide additional benefits for international living, such as quicker citizenship processing in Spain and various Latin American countries.

Q & A

What is the difference between Puerto Rican citizenship and US citizenship?

Puerto Rican citizenship is a unique status that reflects a symbolic or cultural connection to the island. It doesn't replace US citizenship, which Puerto Ricans hold by birth, but it can affirm their identity and pride. Puerto Rican citizenship certificates are issued by the Puerto Rican government, but they do not change a person's legal status as a US citizen.

Are Puerto Ricans US citizens?

Yes, Puerto Ricans are US citizens by birth if born in Puerto Rico. This has been the case since 1917 when the Jones-Shafroth Act granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans, making them equal to other US citizens born in states like New York or California.

Can Puerto Ricans vote in US presidential elections?

Puerto Ricans cannot vote in US presidential elections unless they move to one of the 50 states. Puerto Rico does not have full voting representation in Congress, and its residents cannot vote in federal elections while living on the island.

What benefits do Puerto Ricans get as US citizens?

Puerto Ricans are eligible for federal programs like Social Security and Medicare. However, some programs, like SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and certain forms of Medicaid, are either limited or unavailable for residents of Puerto Rico.

What are the political limitations of Puerto Rico's status as a US territory?

As a US territory, Puerto Rico does not have full representation in the US Congress. Puerto Ricans elect a non-voting resident commissioner to the House of Representatives and do not have voting rights in the Senate or US presidential elections unless they live in a state.

What would happen if Puerto Rico became a US state?

If Puerto Rico became a US state, Puerto Ricans would gain full representation in Congress and the right to vote in presidential elections. However, they would also start paying federal income taxes, similar to other US states.

Can someone born outside Puerto Rico still claim Puerto Rican citizenship?

Yes, if you have Puerto Rican parents or grandparents, you might be eligible for Puerto Rican citizenship through descent. This allows individuals born outside Puerto Rico to maintain a cultural connection to the island, even though it does not confer full legal citizenship outside the US.

How does Puerto Rican citizenship affect people living outside Puerto Rico?

For those living outside Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican citizenship is largely symbolic. However, it can be an important marker of cultural identity and pride. People who are eligible through descent can apply for a Puerto Rican citizenship certificate to affirm their heritage.

What is the benefit of Puerto Rican citizenship for Latin American countries?

Puerto Ricans have a significant advantage in terms of acquiring citizenship in Latin American countries. They are eligible for accelerated paths to citizenship, such as two years of residency in Spain or other Latin American countries, compared to the standard 10 years for other foreigners.

How does Puerto Rican citizenship help with residency in Latin America or Spain?

Puerto Ricans, including those with Puerto Rican ancestry, have access to a faster path to citizenship in several Latin American countries and Spain. For example, in Spain, Puerto Ricans only need to live there for two years to obtain citizenship, a benefit not available to most Americans.