President Donald trump said yesterday that Puerto Rico is in «big trouble,» faced with the widespread destruction caused by hurricane Maria.
Trump noted the outdated infrastructure of electric networks of the island and the huge debts of Puerto Rico, because of what the recovery will cost billions of dollars.
…It’s old electrical grid, which was in terrible shape, was devastated. Much of the Island was destroyed, with billions of dollars….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
«Food, water and medical aid should be the priority, and Puerto Rico gets it all in full,» wrote trump on Twitter.
As reported by The Washington Post, trump’s tweet came almost immediately after the minority leader in the House of representatives Nancy Pelosi urged the Pentagon to send more people to help Puerto Rico and the U.S. virgin Islands to the residents knew: «the us government will do everything without any question or hesitation.»
About 3.4 million Puerto Ricans left without power. On his recovery will take months, officials said. The satellite images show the island on 24 July and 25 September.
Satellite imagery shows how the massive power outages are in Puerto Rico. One is from July 24; the other from yesterday. H/t @NOAA pic.twitter.com/hoJF56rRIl
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) September 26, 2017
Recall, the Federal emergency resources already torn between helping the victims of three of the strongest hurricanes that hit the U.S.: Harvey, Irma and Maria.
Many have noted that the responses to the call for help from Puerto Rico were not as widespread like Florida or Texas.
Perhaps this is due to the fact that, according to the poll Suffolk University/USA Today, conducted in March, most Americans don’t understand that Puerto Ricans are Americans… too.
Here are answers to some questions about the island
Are Puerto Ricans American citizens?
Yes. In accordance with section 302 of the immigration Act and the citizenship people born in Puerto Rico have the same rights by birth as born in the 50 States.
If they vote in the elections?
You can think that way, given that they are citizens of America, but…. no.
Puerto Ricans cannot vote in the General presidential election, but are eligible to vote in the primaries — the process of nomination of candidates for the post of President.
How exactly is the status of Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, a member of the Commonwealth.
In practice this is quite difficult. So, the majority of Puerto Ricans do not pay Federal income taxes but they pay taxes, social insurance, medical care, import taxes, export. Some articles of the Constitution apply in Puerto Rico, some don’t, and even experts are not always sure exactly what.
Why Puerto Rico is still not the 51st state?
In Puerto Rico there has been a movement to become the next state. On this issue for many years, held five referendums. In the latter, which took place in June with very low turnout, 97 percent of the votes cast were in favor of joining the United States.
However, this decision should make the Congress, and when that happens, is unknown.
The Governor of the island Ricardo Rossello yesterday stressed the affiliation of Puerto Rico to the United States when requested Federal assistance.
«Island on the brink of a humanitarian crisis,» he said. «To avoid this, we must admit that we, Puerto Ricans are American citizens. When we talk about the disaster, everyone should be treated equally».
