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Brock Experience

A research guide to aid students and faculty participating in Brock Experience courses.

The Future of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a territory of the USA, is neither a nation nor a state. Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States—they pay taxes, participate in Medicare, and are subject to federal law. Yet, they have no voting representation in Congress and do not vote in presidential elections. For this reason, many cite Puerto Rico as an example of “taxation without representation.” Plagued by high debt levels, massive unemployment, and the devastation from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is facing profound economic woes. This begs the question of what is the USA’s responsibility to its territories, and should Puerto Rico, a place that is culturally very different from the mainland, be considered for statehood? Students will travel to Puerto Rico to experience life on the island, interact with locals in meaningful ways, and immerse in the culture so that they may form their own opinions about the best path for this US territory.