Puerto Rican Governor, Pedro Pierluisi, a Democrat, called on President Biden to treat Puerto Ricans like any other American citizens. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, there are some unique differences in government protocols with Puerto Rico versus a state. However, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, pay federal taxes with the exception of federal income taxes, and have a representative in Congress and electoral delegates, although they can’t vote in U.S. elections. Puerto Ricans vote for their own governor and the territory is supposed to be supported by the United States federal government, especially in times of great distress, like a hurricane.
PIERLUISI: “My asks to you, Mr. President, are straightforward. We want to be treated in the same way as our fellow Americans in the states in times of need. All American citizens, regardless of where they live in the United States, should receive the same support from the federal government. We're confident that the President will heed our call for equal treatment because that is consistent with his priorities and his policies.”
