Congress has had over 100 years to address that situation. The Puerto Ricans have had more direct influence for only about half that time. However, IMHO, corrupt influences over Congress have stymied any true effort at assimilation into our Union.
The Foraker Act of 1901 established the relationship of the United States with Puerto Rico and many of its provisions are still in force. During this period the Puerto Ricans were in a citizenship limbo as they weren't citizens of Spain and the title "Puerto Rican citizen", although it applied, meant little, as Puerto Rico was not a free country or legally part of another. This ambiguity was finally solved by the Jones act of 1917 by which Puerto Ricans became American citizens and Puerto Rico became an unincorporated territory of the United States. During the years between 1900 and 1940, Puerto Rico and its people suffered through enormous hardships created by lack of jobs and by poor pay in those jobs that existed. The economy was basically agricultural and one-crop, sugar cane, and the lands producing it and the factories to extract the sugar were mainly owned by corporations from the United States mainland who paid low wages and repatriated all the profits. Partial self-government was granted in 1947, enabling citizens to elect their own governor for the first time. In 1952 a new constitution made Puerto Rico an autonomous part of the United States called the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico. The Flag and Seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico were adopted by the legislative assembly in 1952.
And BTW, in my younger days, I was Officer-in-Charge, Shore Bombardment Area, San Clemente Island.
Good. Then you would be well aware that many Puerto Ricans have served honorably and courageously in our armed forces.
Corrupt influences in Congress? I'm shocked (lol)! Seriously, all territories striving for statehood have had obstacles to acceptance of their petitions. It is up to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to prove it is worthy of statehood and union.
Then you would be well aware that many Puerto Ricans have served honorably and courageously in our armed forces.
Most heartily concur! Those I met were fine Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers. I did not have the fortune to meet any while I served with the USAF.
And thanks for the background. A few more bricks added to my never completed wall of knowledge.