U.S. Territories

U.S. Territories

The United States is not just the 50 states that make up the mainland; it also includes several territories scattered across the globe. These territories have a unique history, and their citizens have distinct rights and legal statuses. This article explores the origins and evolution of U.S. territories, delving into the historical context and the rights afforded to their inhabitants.

The history of U.S. territories is a tapestry woven with diverse threads of exploration, conquest, diplomacy, and expansion. Let’s delve deeper into the historical origins of some of the most significant U.S. territories:

• Puerto Rico:
  • Spanish Colonial Period: Prior to its status as a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony for over 400 years. It was ceded to the United States in 1898 as part of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War.
  • Citizenship: In 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship. This was a significant step, although they still couldn’t vote in U.S. presidential elections.
  • Political Status: Puerto Rico’s political status remains a subject of debate. Referendums have been held to gauge public sentiment on statehood, independence, or enhanced autonomy, but no decisive resolution has been reached.
• Guam:
  • Spanish and U.S. Rule: Guam was ceded to the U.S. in 1899 after the Spanish-American War. Prior to that, it had been under Spanish colonial rule for centuries.
  • Citizenship: Like Puerto Rico, Guamanians were granted U.S. citizenship through the Organic Act of Guam in 1950, although they still lack voting representation in Congress and presidential elections.
• American Samoa:
  • Unique Status: American Samoa’s status is distinct from other U.S. territories. It was acquired by the U.S. through the Treaty of Berlin in 1899, but its residents are considered U.S. nationals rather than citizens.
  • Citizenship Issues: Efforts to grant full citizenship to American Samoans have faced resistance due to concerns about undermining local customs and traditions.
• S. Virgin Islands:
  • Danish West Indies: The U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917. Prior to that, it had changed hands between various European powers, including Denmark and the Netherlands.
  • Citizenship: Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands were granted U.S. citizenship in 1927, and they, too, do not have full voting rights in presidential elections.
• Northern Mariana Islands:
  • Trust Territory: After World War II, the Northern Mariana Islands became a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the U.S. until 1976.
  • Commonwealth Status: In 1976, they adopted a Commonwealth status in political union with the United States, granting their residents U.S. citizenship and the right to vote in presidential elections.

It’s important to note that the histories of these territories are deeply intertwined with the broader geopolitical landscape and the evolving policies of the United States. The unique circumstances of each territory have led to varying degrees of self-governance, cultural preservation, and engagement in the U.S. political system. These historical intricacies continue to shape the present-day realities and ongoing discussions surrounding the rights and political futures of U.S. territories and their citizens.

Rights of U.S. Territories’ Citizens

The rights of citizens in U.S. territories are a nuanced and multifaceted topic, influenced by a combination of historical, legal, and political factors. Understanding these rights requires examining the unique status and legal framework of each territory. Below, we delve into the rights and limitations faced by citizens of some major U.S. territories, citing specific examples and key legal provisions.

• Citizenship Status:
  • Puerto Rico: Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birthright, as established by the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917. This grants them many of the same rights as citizens living in the 50 states, including the ability to travel freely within the United States and serve in the U.S. military.
  • Guam: Guamanians also hold U.S. citizenship by birthright. They can apply for U.S. passports and are protected by the same constitutional rights as mainland citizens.
  • American Samoa: Unlike Puerto Rico and Guam, American Samoans are considered U.S. nationals rather than U.S. citizens. This means they do not have the same automatic right to live and work in the United States as citizens. However, they can become U.S. citizens through a process that involves residing in a U.S. state.
  • S. Virgin Islands: Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. citizens and hold U.S. passports. They have the same legal rights and protections as citizens residing on the mainland.
  • Northern Mariana Islands: Similar to the U.S. Virgin Islands, citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. citizens, and they enjoy the same rights and protections as mainland citizens.
• Voting Rights:
  • Puerto Rico and Guam: While citizens of Puerto Rico and Guam are U.S. citizens, they do not have the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections. They can participate in primary elections to select delegates for the national party conventions, but they lack full representation in Congress and the Electoral College.
  • American Samoa: American Samoans do not have the right to vote in presidential elections either, as they are U.S. nationals rather than full citizens.
  • S. Virgin Islands: Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can vote in presidential elections, as they are U.S. citizens.
  • Northern Mariana Islands: Similar to the U.S. Virgin Islands, citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands have the right to vote in presidential elections.
• Federal Programs:
  • Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for certain federal programs, but the administration and funding of these programs can vary.
  • Social Security: Residents of U.S. territories generally qualify for Social Security benefits, but there are differences in how benefits are calculated, particularly for those who have not paid into the Social Security system through employment in a U.S. state.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is available in U.S. territories, but the program’s funding structure differs, leading to disparities in healthcare access and coverage compared to the states.
• Local Autonomy:
  • Most U.S. territories have their own local governments, including governors and legislatures. These local governments have authority over various aspects of governance, such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
• Self-Determination:
  • Some residents of U.S. territories advocate for different political statuses or enhanced autonomy. For example, Puerto Rico has held multiple referendums on its political status, including options for statehood, independence, or maintaining the current status as a territory. The outcome of these referendums plays a crucial role in shaping the island’s political future.

In conclusion, the rights and legal statuses of citizens in U.S. territories are diverse and complex, reflecting the historical and political developments specific to each territory. While some territories enjoy full U.S. citizenship and voting rights, others face restrictions and disparities in federal programs. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the political future of these territories continues to be a matter of significance in American politics and constitutional law.

U.S. territories have a rich and complex history, each with its own unique path to becoming a part of the United States. The rights and status of their residents vary, from full citizenship to more limited legal statuses. As these territories continue to evolve and assert their distinct identities, the discussion of their political future remains an ongoing and important part of the American story.

For More Information

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the topic of U.S. Territories, their history, and the rights of their citizens, there are numerous reputable resources available. Here is a comprehensive list of books, websites, government sources, and academic articles to help you further explore this subject:

Books:

• “Island Peoples: The Caribbean and the World” by Joshua Jelly-Schapiro: This book provides a broader perspective on the history and culture of Caribbean territories, including U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
• “Empire’s Workshop: Latin America, the United States, and the Rise of the New Imperialism” by Greg Grandin: This book discusses the historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin American territories.
• “The Struggle for Self-Government: Being an Attempt to Trace American Political Corruption to Its Sources in Six States of the United States with a Dedication to the Czar” by Frederick William Hinrichs: An older work focusing on the political status of U.S. territories.

Websites:

• S. Department of the Interior – Office of Insular Affairs (https://www.doi.gov/oia): The official government website provides information on U.S. territories, including their history, legal status, and current affairs.
• Library of Congress – American Memory (https://www.loc.gov/): You can explore digitized historical documents, maps, and photographs related to U.S. territories in the Library of Congress’s extensive collection.
• National Park Service – U.S. Virgin Islands (https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm) and National Park Service – Puerto Rico (https://www.nps.gov/state/pr/index.htm): These websites offer information about the national parks and historical sites in these territories.

Government Sources:

• S. Government Publishing Office – Statutes at Large (https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/stats): Access historical and current federal laws related to U.S. territories.
• S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey (https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs): Find demographic and socio-economic data for U.S. territories.
• Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: CRS produces informative reports for Congress. You can access these reports on various topics related to U.S. territories by searching online for specific reports or visiting the official website.

Academic Articles:

• “The Political Development of American Samoa” by Peter C. Kreitler (Journal of Pacific History, 1977): An academic exploration of American Samoa’s political evolution.
• “Puerto Rico: The Four-Storeyed Country” by Jose L. González (Latin American Perspectives, 1978): An article discussing Puerto Rico’s status and relationship with the United States.
• “The Territorial Clause and the Insular Cases: The Original Understanding” by Gerard N. Magliocca (Harvard Law Review, 2003): An in-depth analysis of the legal framework surrounding U.S. territories.