House passes Puerto Rico Democracy Act HR 2499

[Badger]

Grant Puerto Rico independence. End over a century of unwarranted U.S. imperialism.

That sentiment might make more sense if even 5% of Puerto Ricans actually supported independence in the 3 major plebiscites the island held on its continuing status. The last one held in 1998 had 71% voter turnout and the independence option won only about 2.5%.

[jimrtex]

Initially, eligible voters, including those born in Puerto Rico but residing in the United States, would vote on whether they wish to keep their current political status or opt for a different direction.

About how many people born in PR are living in the US right now ?

In 2000 there were 1.439M, With a PR of 3.808M this would mean the mainland portion of the electorate would be 27%.  But I would guess that the mainland portion would tend to be older.  If someone was born in PR, but moved to the US and had children, the children would not be included in those 1.439M.  But if their sibling who remained in PR had children, they would be counted in that 3.808M.

88% of the PR-born reside in 10 states:

NY 27
FL 18
NJ 11
MA 7
PA 7
CT 6
IL 4
CA 3
TX 2
OH 2

About 6% of Puerto Ricans were born in the US.

[bgwah]

Initially, eligible voters, including those born in Puerto Rico but residing in the United States, would vote on whether they wish to keep their current political status or opt for a different direction.

Bah!