Members of Congress commemorate the 106th Anniversary of U.S. Citizenship to the People of Puerto Rico

Washington, D.C.- Puerto Rico’s sole representative in Congress, Jenniffer González-Colón, along with other Members of Congress and state legislators and advocates from Puerto Rico, commemorated the 106th anniversary of the granting of American citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico, calling for congressional action to resolve the status issue.

“Even though we’re U.S. citizens, the federal government can—and often does—treat the Island unequally under federal laws and programs. And while it is true that Congress could pass legislation today to address some of these disparities, it is similarly true that a future Congress could undo such efforts. As a territory, we will never truly enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as our fellow citizens in the States. Only statehood can guarantee our full equality as U.S. citizens.” said González-Colón in front of the United States Capitol.

González-Colón was joined at the press conference by other Members of Congress: Darren Soto (D-FL), Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL); territorial legislators José "Che" Pérez and José Aponte, who is also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Puerto Rico; Shadow Delegates Roberto Lefranc Fortuño and Zoraida Buxó and community advocate Irma Rodríguez, President of Puerto Rico Chose Statehood.

The gathered leaders called upon Congress to continue and complete the process, started in prior terms, to achieve the fulfillment of the rights of American Citizens in Puerto Rico through admission as a state.

“Statehood for Puerto Rico and congressional action to end the territory status would benefit our veterans and the thousands of Puerto Ricans currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It would give them real democracy through equal voting representation in Congress, the ability to elect their Commander-in-Chief, and a permanent Union with their fellow citizens in the States. This is not a matter of getting more benefits or concessions under the status quo or statehood. It is about a citizen’s dignity to exercise the rights and duties of citizenship. And yes, that includes equal treatment where there is discrimination against us,” added the Congresswoman.

“As we commemorate 106 years since Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship, we must continue working in the best interest of the island. I’m proud of what we have accomplished to ensure our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters are treated equally and look forward to moving these efforts forward in the 118th Congress,” said Rep. Soto.

“Today marks 106 years since Puerto Rico residents became U.S. citizens,” said Rep. Swalwell. “Yet despite Puerto Ricans voting three times at the ballot box for their desire to have the full representation that all U.S. citizens need and deserve, Congress has failed to take up legislation to formally grant Puerto Rico statehood. American citizens should not be treated differently depending on where they live. It’s time for Congress to act and pass the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act.”

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