2017 status referendum Independence movement in Puerto Rico

the previous plebiscites provided voters 3 options: statehood, free association, , independence. 2017 referendum offer 2 options: statehood , independence/free association. if majority vote latter, second vote held determine preference: full independence nation or associated free state status independence free , voluntary political association between puerto rico , united states.

the white house task force on puerto rico offers following specifics: free association type of independence. compact of free association establish mutual agreement recognize united states , puerto rico closely linked in specific ways detailed in compact. compacts of sort based on national sovereignty of each country, , either nation can unilaterally terminate association. content of compact of free association might cover topics such role of military in puerto rico, use of u.s. currency, free trade between 2 entities, , whether puerto ricans u.s. citizens.

governor ricardo rosselló in favor of statehood develop economy , solve our 500-year-old colonial dilemma ... colonialism not option .... it’s civil rights issue ... 3.5 million citizens seeking absolute democracy, told news media. benefits of statehood include additional $10 billion per year in federal funds, right vote in presidential elections, higher social security , medicare benefits, , right government agencies , municipalities file bankruptcy. latter prohibited.

statehood might useful means of dealing financial crisis, since allow bankruptcy , relevant protection. according government development bank, might solution debt crisis. congress has power vote allow chapter 9 protection without need statehood, in late 2015 there little support in house concept. other benefits statehood include increased disability benefits , medicaid funding, right vote in presidential elections , higher (federal) minimum wage.

at approximately same time referendum, puerto rico s legislators expected vote on bill allow governor draft state constitution , hold elections choose senators , representatives federal congress. regardless of outcome of referendum , vote on bill, action united states congress necessary implement changes status of puerto rico under territorial clause of united states constitution.