What's taking so long for Puerto Rico to become a state?

[Orser67]

The main issue is that there are three choices and Puerto Ricans haven't indicated a strong majority for any of the three choices (as often happens in three-way elections). I don't think it's really gotten to the point where Republicans can be accused of having interfered.

I think the US and Puerto Rico should agree to a referendum in say, 2020, which would provide for Puerto Rico either becoming an independent country or joining the union in 2025.

Here's an article on 2012 non-binding referendum.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/election-puerto-rico/index.html?iref=allsearch

[Orser67]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_politics_and_the_political_status_of_Puerto_Rico

Although Republicans can always change their minds, Puerto Rican statehood ("after they freely so determine") has been a part of their platform since at least 2000. Republican opposition to Puerto Rican statehood doesn't seem like an inevitability.