American Citizenship Day

On March 2 each year, Puerto Rico celebrates American Citizenship Day as a public holiday. It marks the historic moment in 1917 when residents of Puerto Rico received U.S. citizenship. This significant day commemorates President Woodrow Wilson’s signing of the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted statutory U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

The Journey to American Citizenship

Puerto Rico, nestled in the Caribbean and situated about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, first saw Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the late 15th century. By the 16th century, the Spanish swiftly established their rule over the island, which remained under their control until the Spanish-American War in 1898. Before then, all Puerto Ricans were Spanish nationals.

During the war between Spain and the United States, American forces occupied Puerto Rico, and subsequently, Spain ceded the territory to the U.S. under the Treaty of Paris. Post-war, Puerto Rico and three other territories were acquired by the United States. Initially, the island was governed by U.S. military leaders alongside presidential appointees. The judicial system underwent reforms to reflect the U.S. legal framework, yet citizenship remained a unique issue. Spanish nationals could choose to remain Spanish, while foreigners retained their foreign national status. People born in Puerto Rico became U.S. nationals but lacked recognized citizenship under international or even U.S. municipal law, according to scholar John L. A. de Passalacqua.

Over time, various Codes and Acts were introduced with minor adjustments. The pivotal moment came in 1917 when Congress enacted the Jones–Shafroth Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans born on or after April 25, 1898. This statutory citizenship also extended to U.S. nationals of Puerto Rico who were absent during the U.S. acquisition but had since returned. Despite facing criticism and skepticism, the act still stands today. Each March 2 marks the commemoration of this historic signing, with American Citizenship Day observed throughout Puerto Rico.

Key Historical Events

• 1493: Columbus discovers Puerto Rico.
• 1508: The Spanish establish their first settlement, commencing their rule.
• 1898: The U.S. invades and claims Puerto Rico.
• 1917: The Jones Act is signed, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Puerto Rico have a national language? Yes, both English and Spanish are the official languages.
• Can Americans visit Puerto Rico? Certainly! As a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans do not require a visa or passport to travel there.
• Is Puerto Rico a country? Despite common misconceptions, Puerto Rico is not an independent country but a U.S. commonwealth, though it operates in many aspects like a sovereign nation.

Celebrating American Citizenship Day

• Learn about American Citizenship: Explore the rich history and intricate details of Puerto Rican nationality and citizenship.
• Attend Citizenship Events: Join the events hosted by the Government of Puerto Rico if you’re in the area.
• Embrace American Culture: Celebrate by donning red, white, and blue, enjoying American snacks, or watching an iconic American TV show.

Fascinating Puerto Rico Facts

• Citizens without a say: Puerto Ricans can’t vote for the U.S. president or vice president, despite being U.S. citizens.
• Dual citizenship: Eligible Puerto Ricans can hold both U.S. and Puerto Rican citizenship.
• World’s oldest colony: Puerto Rico is known as the oldest existing colony worldwide.
• Uninhabited islands: The territory includes several smaller islands that remain uninhabited.
• The real pirate of the Caribbean: The legendary Cofresí Pirate, famed for possibly inventing the piña colada, hails from Puerto Rico.

Why American Citizenship Day Matters

• Reminder of history: Understanding our past shapes our present and future.
• Encourages education: Staying informed about political history and updates is crucial for understanding citizenship rights and decision-making processes.
• Promotes societal engagement: Awareness of citizenship can inspire more active participation in societal and political spheres.

For more information, visit https://findnomore.net.

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