Puerto Rico faces $123 billion in debt and pension obligations. A recent referendum vote strongly favored statehood for the US territory, but convincing Congress that Puerto Rico is ready for statehood will be difficult. While some argue Puerto Rico could benefit greatly from statehood, others are skeptical and prefer the status quo or independence.
Today we talk about what the possibility of statehood could mean for Puerto Rico and the United States.
Guests:
- Danica Coto, reporter for the Associated Press
- Crucita Flecha, immigration lawyer, Puerto Rican originally from Lorain, Ohio
- Paul Beck, OSU Political Scientist
- Susanne Ramirez de Arellano, freelance writer based in New York City