Previously colonized by Spain, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States as an aftermath of the Spanish American War. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. Nevertheless, because Puerto Rico has remained a territory of the U.S. and has not been incorporated as a state, rights and representation are limited for the territory and its people.

Currently, Puerto Ricans living in the mainland U.S. enjoy full citizenship rights in whichever state they reside in. Puerto Ricans on the island, however, do not get to vote for the president, and the island does not have representation in Congress. Puerto Ricans on the island also do not have a guaranteed right to certain federal benefits programs like Supplemental Security Income, a distinction that was recently upheld by the Supreme Court.

Many have pointed toward this type of second-class citizenship in pushing for a change in Puerto Rico’s status. Such disparities have been exacerbated as Puerto Rico has faced several challenges in recent years, including a multi-billion dollar debt crisis and the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

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