It’s easy to see that statehood will benefit Puerto Rico, providing a new level of equality and justice as well as economic strength. But what value does Puerto Rico have to offer to the United States as a whole? We can answer the question by considering the factors that make current states valuable.
Natural resources
Some states, like California and Colorado, brought valuable minerals to the United States. Puerto Rico has limited mineral wealth, but does have deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, and silver as well as silica, clay, and gravel. The more rare minerals on the list aren’t considered economically viable now, but that could change with changes in technology. Greenland’s minerals have become valuable, though they were not thought to be in the past.
Beyond minerals, though, Puerto Rico has a very high level of biodiversity and a number of unique natural features which make it ideal for scientific research. The Island has a high capacity to produce renewable energy, like Texas.
Puerto Rico’s natural beauty is also a draw for tourism, an industry which has been growing significantly in recent years. like Hawaii and Florida, a state of Puerto Rico would draw visitors from around the world.
Rich culture
Several current states are considered important because of their history and contributions to the arts. New York’s museums and global cultural influence, the importance of Massachusetts in the nation’s history, and the fame of Hollywood in California all make those states valuable. Puerto Rico has the oldest continually inhabited city, the oldest fort, and the oldest governor’s mansion in the nation. Puerto Rico has a vibrant arts scene, and has in fact provided many of the most important popular musicians in the United States.
World-class museums, impressive sports figures, and internationally loved cuisine and cocktails also can be found in Puerto Rico. As a state, Puerto Rico would not be outshone by current states.
Economic potential
Puerto Rico’s economy is not currently strong compared with any of the current states, though it is in a stronger position than nearly all its neighbors in latin America and the Caribbean. Yet the capacity for success is definitely present. Puerto Rico exports more pharmaceuticals than any state. It has a strong history in manufacturing, an educated, bilingual workforce, and an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit.
As a state, Puerto Rico would have the infrastructure and logistics needed to level the playing field and see prosperity, which would benefit the nation as a whole. Some of the most valuable current states, including California and New York, have shone in technology. Washington is also an important player. Puerto Rico — once the infrastructure is strengthened — has the potential to be a major play in digital industries as well.
As a territory, Puerto Rico tends to lose human capital to the states. As a state, the Island could provide opportunities for home-grown talent and keep more of its human capital. This would benefit Puerto Rico, but as we can see from the collaborations that already take place between universities in Puerto Rico and in the states, it would also continue to benefit the United States as a whole.
Strategic importance
Puerto Rico is an important bridge between the United States and Latin America. Its nearness to Cuba and Panama are obviously essential for the United States, but it is also a point of strength between the U.S. and China in the Caribbean. From a military standpoint, Puerto Rico is extremely valuable.
In business and diplomacy, Puerto Rico can be pivotal in relations between the United States and Latin America.
Every one of the current 50 states has its own special value in the Union. Each has products that it grows or manufactures to provide for the rest of the states, iconic celebrities admired across the nation, and unique natural features no other state can match. Puerto Rico will fit right in as the 51st star among the stars of the states.
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