Title: Puerto Ricans Gain US Citizenship, but Passport Issuance Varies
In the wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017, many Puerto Ricans have been left wondering about their status in terms of US citizenship and passport issuance. The question of whether Puerto Ricans have US passports has been a topic of confusion and misunderstanding for some time. While Puerto Ricans are indeed US citizens, the process of obtaining a US passport can vary depending on certain factors.
Puerto Ricans gained US citizenship in 1917 through the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted them US nationality without actually making Puerto Rico a state. This means that Puerto Ricans are considered US citizens and can travel freely throughout the United States and its territories without the need for a visa. However, the question of whether they need a US passport to do so can be a bit more complex.
According to the US Department of State, Puerto Ricans are not required to have a US passport when traveling within the United States or its territories, including Puerto Rico. This is because Puerto Ricans are already US citizens and can prove their citizenship with a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or a birth certificate. However, when traveling outside of the United States or its territories, Puerto Ricans are required to have a US passport in order to re-enter the country.
The confusion surrounding the issuance of US passports to Puerto Ricans stems from the fact that Puerto Rico is considered an unincorporated territory of the United States. This means that while Puerto Ricans are US citizens, they are not afforded the full rights and privileges of citizenship that residents of the 50 states receive. This includes the ability to vote in presidential elections and have voting representation in Congress. Despite this, Puerto Ricans are still required to follow the same procedures for obtaining a US passport as any other US citizen.
In order to obtain a US passport, Puerto Ricans must go through the same application process as any other US citizen. This includes submitting a completed passport application form, proof of US citizenship, proof of identity, and a passport photo. Additionally, Puerto Ricans are required to pay the same fees for a US passport as any other US citizen. The only difference is that Puerto Ricans may face additional scrutiny during the application process due to their status as residents of an unincorporated territory.
The process of obtaining a US passport can be further complicated for Puerto Ricans who were born in Puerto Rico but now reside in the mainland United States. In these cases, Puerto Ricans must still follow the same application process as any other US citizen, but they may face additional challenges when it comes to proving their US citizenship. This is because Puerto Ricans born in Puerto Rico are issued a Puerto Rican birth certificate, which can sometimes be rejected as a valid proof of US citizenship by US passport agencies.
Despite these challenges, many Puerto Ricans have successfully obtained US passports and have been able to travel freely in and out of the United States. For those who have faced difficulties in obtaining a US passport, there are resources available to help navigate the process and ensure that their rights as US citizens are upheld. Organizations such as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Hispanic Federation offer assistance to Puerto Ricans seeking to obtain US passports and navigate the complexities of US citizenship laws.
In conclusion, while Puerto Ricans are indeed US citizens and have the right to obtain US passports, the process of doing so can be more complex than for residents of the 50 states. In order to travel outside of the United States or its territories, Puerto Ricans are required to have a US passport, just like any other US citizen. While there may be challenges and obstacles along the way, Puerto Ricans have the same rights and privileges as any other US citizen, and are entitled to all the benefits that come with US citizenship.
