The History of Puerto Rico & Its Contributions to the U.S.
Puerto Rico and the United States: A Shared History
Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States began in 1898, when the island was ceded by Spain to the U.S. following the Spanish–American War. Since then, Puerto Rico has occupied a unique and evolving political status within the American system—an unincorporated U.S. territory.
Historical Milestones
1917 – Jones–Shafroth Act: Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship, making them subject to the military draft and able to serve in the armed forces.
- 1952 – Commonwealth Status: Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution and became the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, gaining local self-government while remaining under U.S. sovereignty.
Military Service & Sacrifice
Puerto Ricans have served the United States with distinction for more than a century:
- Over 200,000 Puerto Ricans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- The 65th Infantry Regiment (“The Borinqueneers”), a segregated Puerto Rican unit, became legendary for its service in World War I and the Korean War.
- Puerto Rican service members have earned Medals of Honor, Silver Stars, and Purple Hearts, and the Borinqueneers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016.
Economic & Labor Contributions
Puerto Rican workers have played a vital role in building the modern United States:
- During the 20th century, large migration waves supplied labor to manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and service industries, particularly in New York, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
- Puerto Ricans helped fuel post–World War II industrial growth and continue to contribute across sectors including healthcare, education, logistics, and public service.
Cultural Impact
Puerto Rican culture is deeply woven into American life:
- Music & Arts: Major contributions to jazz, salsa, hip-hop, Latin pop, and reggaetón. Artists like Rita Moreno, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Bad Bunny, and Jennifer Lopez have shaped global culture.
- Literature & Thought: Puerto Rican writers, poets, and scholars have influenced conversations on identity, civil rights, and democracy.
- Sports: Puerto Rican athletes have excelled in baseball, boxing, basketball, and the Olympics, producing icons like Roberto Clemente, whose humanitarian legacy is as important as his athletic achievements.
Science, Education & Public Service
Puerto Ricans have made lasting contributions in:
- Medicine and public health, both on the island and the mainland
- STEM fields, including engineering, space science, and environmental research
- Civic leadership, serving as mayors, legislators, judges, educators, and activists across the United States
Resilience & Responsibility
Puerto Rico’s modern history includes profound challenges—economic crises, natural disasters like Hurricane Maria (2017), earthquakes, and climate vulnerability. Puerto Ricans have shown extraordinary resilience, while also highlighting the responsibilities and inequities inherent in the U.S.–Puerto Rico relationship.
Summary
Puerto Rico and the United States share more than a political connection—they share citizenship, sacrifice, culture, labor, and values. Puerto Ricans have contributed enormously to the nation’s defense, economy, culture, and civic life, even while continuing to seek full equality and clarity in their political status.
Is your family at risk of separation? Plan, don't panic!
FREE Attorney Referral
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
Forward Latino has established relationships with ethical, knowledgeable and affordable immigration attorneys. Download the list at the link below or call (414)338-9071 and ask for "recommended immigration attorneys" and it will be texted to you.
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
Download our FREE toolkit for families at risk of separation. It includes a to-do list, Know Your Rights cards, and FREE Power of Attorney forms. Toolkits are shown below on this page.
FREE Power of Attorney Forms
FREE Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation Toolkits
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
Forward Latino offers FREE Power of Attorney forms for Property and Finance as well as temporary delegation of parental power so your children can be cared for by a family member or trusted friend while you are separated. The forms are part of the toolkit which are shown below on this page.
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
Forward Latino provides in-person and online immigration rights training and assistance with completing Power of Attorney forms. Complete the following form to request our Immigrant Family Preparedness, Know Your Rights and Power of Attorney Form Training or to request our IMMIGRATION: Fiction, Facts & Faith presentation for your faith-based organization click on English Form or Spanish Form.
FREE Spanish Pastoral & Emotional Care
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
FREE Spanish Pastoral & Emotional Care
Forward Latino provides FREE Pastoral and emotional care. Call us at (414)338-9071 and request Pastoral & Emotional Care Department.
Report ICE or CBP Rights Violations
FREE In-Person Immigration Training Sessions & Presentations
FREE Spanish Pastoral & Emotional Care
Witness a detention? Concerned that Constitutional rights were violated and proper procedure not followed? Report it immediately at English Form or Spanish Form .
Emergency Immigrant Family Preparation To-Do List
Plan, Don't Panic!
Forward Latino has developed this toolkit for individuals at risk of detention or deportation by U.S. immigration officials. It is important to complete these tasks with the assistance of a licensed immigration attorney prior to being detained. For individuals who do have lawful immigration status, we encourage you to carry your green card, work permit, or other evidence of status with you at all times. If you have any questions, please call us at (414)338-9071.
1. Establish your emergency contact and create a family plan
○ Your Emergency Contact should be someone lawfully present in the United States if possible,
has a mobile phone and is readily available 24 hours a day.
○ Your family plan should detail actions your family should take should separation occur.
2. Organize all your immigration-related documents
○ Organize all of your documents, including your visa, passport, green card, birth certificate,
work permits, and any other immigration related papers.
○ Keep copies of all your documents in a safe place and share copies with your immigration
attorney.
3. Establish a relationship with a licensed immigration attorney that provides removal
defense services.
○ Review your immigration situation to determine if there is a pathway to legalization.
○ Review methods to contact attorney should separation occur after hours.
○ Review your legal rights.
○ Provide copies of your immigration-related documents
○ Memorize your immigration attorney’s phone number as mobile phones are frequently
removed from individuals in detention.
4. Establish a Power of Attorney(s) to manage your personal affairs.
○ A Power of Attorney for Finance & Property will allow your agent to make decision on your
behalf as detailed in the form. A Wisconsin PoA for Finance & Property is included in this
toolkit.
○ A Power of Attorney for Delegating Parental Power will allow your agent to make decisions for
your children as detailed in the form. A Wisconsin PoA for Delegating Parental Power is
included in this toolkit.
○ Agents must be 18 years or older and competent. It is recommended that they be lawfully
present in the United States.
○ While Power of Attorney forms do not need to be notarized, we recommend doing so if
possible.
5. Avoid Criminal Activity and contact with those engaged in criminal activity.
○ Adhere to all laws an avoid any actions or individuals engaged in such actions that could lead
to interactions with law enforcement. With recent changes, even minor offenses can impact
your immigration status.
○ If arrested for a crime, consult with both your criminal and immigration attorneys before
accepting any plea deals or signing any legal agreements as it might impact your immigration
status.
6. Plan Financially
Ensure you have access to funds to cover legal fees, possible bonds and fines, and other
expenses related to your case. Consider setting up a separate savings account for these
purposes.
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Our amazing team comes from varying for profit and non-profit backgrounds and all have a long record of commitment and service to our nations Hispanic community on issues ranging from civil rights, civic engagement, education, immigration and more.
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