Since Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth of the United States in 1952, plebiscites regarding the island's political status have previously taken place in 1967, 1993, 1998, 2012 and 2017. In 2020, for the first time, Puerto Rico held a non-binding, straight yes-or-no referendum vote on the question of statehood. Much like other elections that took place in 2020, the results of that plebiscite were exceedingly close, with just 52% voting in support of statehood and a historically low turnout. So, what's next for Puerto Rico? What would need to happen for Puerto Rico to be granted statehood? Is the status quo acceptable? Is there another alternative?

Join the ACS DC, Austin, Bay Area, Houston, Los Angeles, Madison, New York, and San Diego Lawyer Chapters and the ACS American University Washington College of Law Student Chapter for a panel that will discuss the questions that the issue of Puerto Rican statehood raises. This event is the second in the Sovereignty and Status series - a series of ACS events on statehood, citizenship, and status of DC, Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories.

Featuring:

Rafael A. Cox Alomar, Professor of Law, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
Jeffrey Farrow, Lobbyist and former Co-Chair of President Clinton's Working Group on Puerto Rico
Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus, George Welwood Murray Professor of Legal History, Columbia Law School
Angel L. Nigaglioni, Esq., Legislative Director and Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives Office of Congressman José E. Serrano (NY-15)

Moderated by:

Patricio G. Martínez-Llompart, Associate, Covington & Burling LLP; Member, ACS Washington, DC Lawyer Chapter Board of Directors

As the nation's leading progressive legal organization, ACS is committed to ensuring that all aspects of our events are accessible and enjoyable for all. If you require any accommodations, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .