Governor Luis Fortuño Predicts Puerto Rico Will Become 51st State

by Heritage Videos

This November, voters in Puerto Rico will have another opportunity to vote on becoming our 51st state. In an exclusive interview with The Heritage Foundation, Governor Luis Fortuño said the time is right. “We are already intertwined into the national fabric,” he explained, “And what needs to happen now is for us to fully partake into the decision making process here in Washington.”

He made the case that Puerto Ricans have actively contributed to America’s defense and deserve to have a say in the way their country is operated. “We have been American citizens since 1917. We have served in every war since then with valor and courage,” said Fortuño. He noted that despite their size, more than 21,000 men and women from Puerto Rico have volunteered to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan—more than 45 other states.

Watch our short interview to learn more about the prospects of Puerto Rican statehood, the impact of drug trafficking on the island, and the influence of Hugo Chavez on the region.

The interview runs about 4 minutes. Hosted by Rob Bluey and produced by Brandon Stewart. For more videos from Heritage, subscribe to our YouTube channel.