“[T]he overwhelming number of Puerto Ricans do not desire to politically distance themselves from the United States,” expressed Pantojas García, “yet they consistently assert their distinct cultural identity separate from that of Americans.”
This raises concerns among many regarding statehood for Puerto Rico. While the economic advantages are clear and the quest for justice and equal rights is significant, a considerable number of Puerto Ricans both on the Island and in the mainland fear the erosion of their Puerto Rican identity.
One might draw parallels between Puerto Rico’s journey and that of Texas, a state that was once part of Mexico, achieved independence, functioned as a nation for a period, and later became a state. Today, Texans take great pride in their identity. They caution, “Don’t mess with Texas.” Have they succeeded in maintaining their sense of nationhood alongside their statehood?
Honoring the past
Texas acknowledges its Hispanic heritage and pays tribute to its indigenous populations, but Texans also commemorate the Alamo, and children in schools sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” It’s nearly impossible to forget you are in Texas while you are there. Cowboys, stockyards, astronauts, and football are emblematic of Texan culture. The state boasts its own unique cuisine, music, dances, and vernacular.
Similar to Texas, Puerto Rico takes pride in its historical and cultural legacy, reveling in its distinct music, dance, cuisine, art, and — akin to the Tejanos of Texas — its special dialect of Spanish alongside a recognizable local English sound.
Some Puerto Ricans assert that Puerto Rico had gained independence and full autonomy under Spanish rule just before the arrival of the United States. “[The Independence Party] romanticized the pre-1898 period of Spanish governance, emphasizing the autonomy agreement achieved in 1897 and downplaying the undeniable violence of the Spanish regime,” stated Michael Staudenmaier in his essay, “Puerto Rican independence movement, 1898–present.”
“It advanced a glorified vision of Puerto Rican culture as Spanish-speaking, Roman Catholic, and fundamentally European, while neglecting not only the indigenous influences on Puerto Rican music, cuisine, and language (among other cultural expressions) but also the successive waves of immigrants that introduced French, Italian, Irish, and notably African influences into the mix,” Staudenmaier wrote.
In contrast, Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836, a declaration that Mexico refused to recognize. In reality, Texas’s statehood was postponed partly due to worries about conflict with Mexico. The U.S. acknowledged the Republic of Texas in 1837, with France and England following suit by 1841. Texas had its own constitution, a president, as well as judicial and legislative bodies. In contrast, Puerto Rico did not establish its government before Spain transferred the territory to the U.S. and was never an independent entity, while the Republic of Texas thrived for nine years.
National Identity
<pThe Puerto Rican sense of nationalism often does not imply a willingness to relinquish U.S. citizenship. A 2011 White House report noted that Puerto Ricans “greatly cherish their U.S. citizenship” and that losing it would “be met with resistance by the vast majority of Puerto Ricans.” The topic of citizenship for an independent Puerto Rico remained contentious during discussions regarding the Puerto Rico Status Act as it was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022.
There are individuals in Texas who feel nostalgic about their time as an independent nation. In fact, the widespread belief that Texas is experiencing a migrant crisis is spurring an increase in support for independence today, according to a 2024 poll. Among supporters of Trump in 2020, 36% favored independence over statehood, a figure higher than the 31% of Puerto Ricans supporting statehood in the 2024 plebiscite. Nonetheless, most Texans opted for statehood as their preferred status, as did Puerto Rico in 2024.
The same poll revealed a strong sense of confidence among Texans that their state would flourish as an independent nation. Their preference for statehood does not stem from a fear of failing under independence.
Thus, Texas enjoys a considerable level of state pride and assurance, even as Texans express a clear preference for statehood. Puerto Rico’s nationalism and affection for the Island need not be linked with a pursuit of independence. The same balance that Texas demonstrates between pride in Texas and loyalty to the U.S. can similarly apply to Puerto Rico.
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