citizens, pay federal taxes such as Social Security and Medicare – but not federal income tax - and can freely travel within the U.S. People of these territories (except some in American Samoa) are U.S. citizens since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland. In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico. Recent post: How Do I Join Rotc At Jmu? Are Puerto Ricans US citizens? states, the District of Columbia or almost any inhabited territory are natural-born United States citizens. Return to Passport FAQ – Questions and Answers About Passports. All that is required is a photo ID such as a driver’s license. territory is similar to traveling to another state. House of Representatives, who serves for a term of two years and has limited voting abilities. Residents of Guam cannot vote in federal elections, but they do elect a delegate to the U.S. Individuals born in Guam are considered citizens of the United States. The first were the Northwest and Southwest territories and the last were the Alaska and Hawaii territories. Many organized, incorporated territories existed from 1789 to 1959. Others, such as the Philippines, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, later became independent. Unlike the word “state,” which can also mean a country, democratic or not, the term “commonwealth” emphasized that Virginia was founded to serve the common good of its people. Why is Virginia a commonwealth and not a state?ĭuring the American Revolution, the title “Commonwealth of Virginia” was used in the new state’s constitution. Pennsylvania along with the then-colonies of Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky, in order to maintain their British roots identity yet clearly indicate independence from England, chose to be called Commonwealths. Citizen If You Are Born In Puerto Rico? Why is PA a commonwealth? Virgin Islands) are permanently inhabited, unincorporated territories the other nine are small islands, atolls, and reefs with no native (or permanent) population.

Is Puerto Rico a commonwealth of the US?įive territories ( American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.What are two differences between a U.S.Why is Virginia a commonwealth and not a state?.

What states are commonwealth states