Puerto Rico observes American Citizenship Day on March 2 each year. To commemorate the day that Puerto Ricans were granted citizenship in the United States in 1917, it is a public holiday. The Jones-Shafroth Act was signed by President Woodrow Wilson on this day, granting Puerto Ricans statutory citizenship in the United States.
Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean that is located 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. It is commemorated on American Citizenship Day. Christopher Columbus first arrived on the island at the end of the 15th century. In the 16th century, shortly thereafter, the Spanish quickly colonized it. The Spanish ruled Puerto Ricans until the 1898 Spanish-American War. Prior to that time, Puerto Rico was only inhabited by Spaniards.
The United States of America invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War, and Spain eventually gave the island to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. The United States of America gained three additional territories following the war. In the beginning, the military of the United States and officials appointed by the president of the United States ruled Puerto Rico. The judicial system was reformed to match that of the United States.
Citizenship remained a one-of-a-kind issue. At first, Spanish citizens born in Spain could declare their intent to remain Spanish. Foreign nationals remained foreigners. Scholar John L. A. de Passalacqua asserts that although those born in Puerto Rico were citizens of the United States, they lacked “citizenship whatsoever recognized under international law or even United States municipal law.” Following this, a steady stream of new Codes and Acts came into effect with minor modifications. The Jones–Shafroth Act of 1917 granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans born on or after April 25, 1898. U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico and those who might have been absent from the territory at the time of U.S. acquisition but have since returned were granted statutory U.S. citizenship under the act. The law was criticized and questioned, but it continues to be in effect today. Puerto Rico observes American Citizenship Day annually on March 2, the date of the signing. The holiday is observed by the public and offices are closed.
Timeline for American Citizenship Day: 1493 Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico.
1508: The first Spanish settlement is established, marking the beginning of Spanish rule.
1898: The American Invasion The United States of America conquers Puerto Rico.
1917 American Citizenship With his signature on the Jones Act, President Wilson gives Puerto Ricans American citizenship.
Questions and Answers for American Citizenship Day Does Puerto Rico have a language?
Yes, there are two official languages of the island—Spanish and English—much like the island’s dual nature.
Is Puerto Rico open to Americans?
Yes, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens can visit at any time without needing a passport or visa.
Is Puerto Rico part of a nation?
Puerto Rico, contrary to popular belief, is not a nation. The United States government runs it as a commonwealth. However, many of Puerto Rico’s actions resemble those of a nation.
Learn about American citizenship and how to observe American citizenship day. Puerto Rican nationality and citizenship have a long history. There are numerous details and criteria still in place to distinguish between citizens and noncitizens. Spend the day learning about this history and the technicalities.
Participate in American Citizenship events The Puerto Rico government organizes a number of events on the island on this day. Make use of this day to attend one if you are eligible and in the area.
Be an American citizen American Citizenship Day is a great day to channel your inner American. Put on your best red, white, and blue outfit, eat some snacks from the United States, and maybe even watch a popular American television show that you have always wanted to watch. Enjoy using it.
5 FACTS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT PUERTO RICO Citizens with no say Puerto Ricans may be citizens of the United States, but they are unable to vote for the president and vice president of the United States.
Puerto Ricans can also become citizens of Puerto Rico if they meet the requirements for dual citizenship.
The oldest known colony in the world Puerto Rico is still the oldest known colony in the world.
It is said that Puerto Rico has numerous smaller islands that are still uninhabited.
The real pirate of the Caribbean The most well-known pirate in Puerto Rico is Cofres, who is also credited with inventing the pina colada.
Why American Citizenship Day is so important? Because it serves as a reminder of the past. There is a lot of history behind the world as it is today. If history had not turned out the way it did, our lives would have been very different. A day like this serves as a reminder to educate ourselves on the reasons for where we are and who and what caused it.
It promotes education It can be challenging to keep up with political history and developments. But knowing how and why you have the right to the land you live on and who makes decisions that affect you is essential.
Knowledge is power, and it makes us active. Additionally, gaining awareness of one’s citizenship status influences public perceptions. The citizens then become active rather than passive members of society, whether positively or negatively.
