You are primarily speaking of Puerto Rico. The people there have spoken time and again when given the vote on the subject. Independence, statehood, or status quo. They alway overwhelmingly pick remaining the same. Puerto Ricans can only blame themselves if they do not like it.
"Puerto Ricans can only blame themselves if they do not like it."
You are partially correct. But I'm off to celebrate Christmas Eve so I'll elaborate later.
Merry Christmas.