If Trump is serious about increasing the amount states in the Union, he should support Puerto Rico’s bid to become a state and no longer be a commonwealth. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and have been so since 1917, but do not have representation in Congress or cannot vote for U.S President in the general election. Puerto Rico is under U.S. control as an unincorporated territory without equal representation at the federal level.
Puerto Rican males are required to register with the Selective Service System in case a military draft is ever reinstated. In fact,
Puerto Rico has one of the highest per-capita military enlistment rates among the U.S. states and territories. Puerto Ricans have served honorably since World War I and have been recognized for their courage and valor. Puerto Rico also maintains five primary military facilities on the island supporting military operations, training, and homeland security in the region.
Last year, Puerto Ricans voted for statehood with close to sixty percent in favor. This was the fourth time in this century that Puerto Ricans have voted in favor of statehood wanting equality and a full democracy. Any change to Puerto Rico’s political status must go through Congress which has been divided on this issue.

Puerto Rico has massive debt and would require the U.S. government to absorb and restructure the debt if the island becomes a state. Puerto Rico has had a history of corruption and high crime that would require more federal and state policing especially with drug trafficking and gun violence. Puerto Rico infrastructure needs a major overhaul especially after Hurricane Maria in 2017 that exposed their unreliable grid. Puerto Rico continuously suffers power outages throughout the island. This would require major investments by the U.S. and private companies to fix these issues.
A Puerto Rican statehood would change the dynamics in Congress with two senators and more representatives in the House. The island is evenly divided with their political views and are mostly Roman Catholics.
The Trump administration should forget about Canada and Greenland and focus on the island of Puerto Rico and give these people full statehood with equal representation in Congress. There are many Puerto Ricans that live in the United States and have become productive and successful members of society.
A first-rate Puerto Rico could change the dynamics for tourism in the Caribbean. Puerto Ricans would also pay federal income tax to offset any costs to their transition of statehood. Puerto Rican statehood is a win/win for the country and the island for many strategic reasons. Puerto Rico has a natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history. It is time to make ‘La Isla del Encanto’ meaning the Island of Enchantment the 51st state of the Union
Want to read more thought-provoking stories and the latest news? Stay connected with FuturePressNews.com  for fresh articles, useful insights, and important updates from around the world. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned for our latest stories delivered straight to you.