Puerto Ricans interviewed in San Juan voice opposition to 51st-state push

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Several Puerto Ricans interviewed by Fox News Digital said they do not want the U.S. territory to become the 51st state, pointing to taxes, prices, and identity.

Carly, who grew up on the island and now lives in Connecticut, said she does not want statehood and fears taxes would spike the way she believes happened after Hawaii became a state. Alejandra of San Juan said everything would become more expensive and that locals are already struggling. Another resident said she did not want to be pulled deeper into mainland political fights.

Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in the general election for president. The island uses a different federal tax structure than the states. Full statehood would pull residents and businesses more completely into the federal tax system and could change how some federal programs apply.

Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, a member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party and an ally of President Donald Trump, argues statehood is the path to equal treatment in federal programs. A nonbinding November 2024 referendum asked voters to choose among statehood, independence, or associated independence. Statehood advocates still press Congress for a binding path.

The street interviews do not replace island-wide polling, but they capture a live worry among residents: higher costs on an island where wages are lower than on the mainland. Any real change still requires action in Washington.