For over a century, Puerto Rico has remained in a political limbo, stuck between being a U.S. colonial territory and an independent nation. Despite being U.S. citizens since 1917, Puerto Ricans have never fully integrated into the American fabric, largely because they don’t see themselves as Americans. Instead, they proudly identify as Puerto Rican, preserving their culture and language, while rejecting and resisting assimilation. This reality underscores the urgency for the United States to finally decolonize Puerto Rico. The best path forward is through a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) that supports Puerto Rico’s transition to national sovereignty—whether as an independent nation or under a compact of free association with the U.S.
Why Decolonization is Urgent and Necessary
Puerto Rico’s current status as a U.S. territory is not only outdated but also fundamentally undemocratic and unsustainable. The commonwealth status essentially maintains Puerto Rico in a colonial state, keeping it dependent and stifling its political and economic potential.
While some advocate for statehood, the political reality is that it lacks support among U.S. conservatives and the GOP, which removed statehood from its 2024 platform. Additionally, a growing number of Puerto Ricans, especially younger generations, are rejecting statehood as well and are more supportive of national sovereignty. Territorial status, rejected by Puerto Ricans in a 2012 referendum and removed from the Democratic Party‘s 2024 platform, increasingly tarnishes America’s image as a champion of democracy and self-determination.
The Puerto Rican flag flies in front of Puerto Rico’s Capitol in San Juan.
Ricardo Arduengo/AP Images
Pro-statehood supporters can always move to one of the 50 states to pursue the “American Dream.” But Puerto Ricans who value their national identity and culture deserve the right to exist and create a sovereign nation of their own.
Leaving this issue unresolved continues to damage the U.S.’ credibility as a global leader in democracy and freedom. Puerto Rico’s sovereignty is not only a moral imperative but also in the best interest of the United States. A sovereign Puerto Rico could be a strategic ally and trade partner in the Caribbean, enhancing U.S. influence while supporting self-governance and national identity.
A Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) to Support Sovereignty
The next U.S. administration, whether Democrat or Republican, should issue a SAP that commits to supporting Puerto Rico’s transition to sovereignty. This SAP would publicly acknowledge that both the current territorial status and annexation through statehood are no longer viable, and that the U.S. must resolve the issue in a way that respects the will of the Puerto Rican people and American national interests.
Here’s how this SAP could frame the process:
—Establishing a Presidential Task Force on Puerto Rico Decolonization—The administration would create a task force to oversee the transition, including Puerto Rican representatives, federal agencies, and international observers. This group would draft a three-year transition plan and provide policy recommendations to both the president and Congress.
—Directing Federal Agencies to Prepare for Transition—Key agencies like the Department of State, Department of Defense, and the Treasury would begin planning for the transfer of responsibilities, assets, and programs to a sovereign Puerto Rican government. This is essential for a smooth, peaceful transition.
—Facilitating Economic Transition—The Treasury Department would develop plans for economic aid, debt relief, and trade agreements (based on S.712) to support Puerto Rico during its transition. This would include restructuring Puerto Rico’s debt and setting up economic stabilization funds.
—Preparing for a Final Status Referendum—The administration would support a binding referendum in Puerto Rico to finalize the choice between independence and free association, conducted fairly and transparently according to international self-determination standards.
—Issuing a Proclamation of Sovereignty—At the appropriate time, the president would issue a formal proclamation recognizing Puerto Rico’s sovereignty, ending U.S. colonial rule, and marking a new chapter in Puerto Rican history.
Why Americans Should Support This SAP
Puerto Rico’s unresolved status is not just a Puerto Rican issue—it’s an American issue. As statehood and territorial status become increasingly untenable, Americans need to support the only viable option left—national sovereignty.
It’s time for the U.S. to take the right course of action. The next administration must issue a Statement of Administration Policy that sets Puerto Rico on a clear path toward sovereignty before yet another generation of Puerto Ricans is forced to live under a colonial status they neither chose nor want.
Decolonizing Puerto Rico is not only a matter of justice but also of strategic interest for the United States. By supporting Puerto Rico’s transition to sovereignty, the U.S. can resolve a long-standing issue, strengthen its global reputation, and gain a valuable ally in the Caribbean. The time to act is now—for the benefit of both Puerto Rico and the United States.
Javier A. Hernández is a Puerto Rican writer, educator, business owner, and pro-sovereignty activist. He authored PREXIT: Forging Puerto Rico’s Path to Sovereignty and Puerto Rico: The Economic Case for Sovereignty, among other articles, books, and works on Puerto Rican decolonization and sovereignty. X: @PRexitBook.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
