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PUERTO RICO: Should Puerto Rico Become a U.S. State?
SUPPORTERS ARGUE
The United States has treated Puerto Rico as an inferior territory for too long. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who deserve full representation in the U.S. Congress. Statehood would allow Puerto Rico to finally join the United States as an equal and give it the benefits and flexibility it needs to alleviate its economic troubles.
OPPONENTS ARGUE
Puerto Rico has its own identity and should remain separate from the United States. Statehood would hurt the Puerto Rican economy, and referendums on the island’s political status should not be held in the midst of a debt crisis. Contrary to proponents’ claims, previous referendums have not demonstrated that most Puerto Ricans support statehood.
Let your students review the facts and decide for themselves: Should Puerto Rico become a U.S. state? Be sure to check out Issues & Controversies’ complete and unbiased coverage of this timely issue. Enhance the debate with the discussion questions, “By the Numbers” data, primary sources, editorials, and newsfeed that are linked to the article.
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