Militants Protest President Obama’s Visit to Puerto Rico

According to an official estimate, about 4 million Puerto Ricans live in the United States. President Barack Obama is looking at this group of the population as he begins his re-election campaign. The president’s visit to Puerto Rico on Tuesday, June 14 comes more than 50 years since an official of the U.S. government visited the island. The last time a U.S. president went to the island was during the administration of President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

This visit will take place simultaneously with the protests of several anti-colonist militant groups who are expressing their anger with the current political situation that Puerto Rico has been a part of since 1898, when the U.S. invaded the island. Yesterday, local authorities arrested five young people who were demonstrating for the release of political prisoners.

The trip was also part of President Obama’s bigger efforts to become more familiar with the Hispanic community, which was, generally speaking, a decisive factor in his 2008 victory. Even more important for his re-election is the fact that the Hispanic community has been given promises from his campaign in regards to reform of the immigration laws.

According to actual estimates, the total population of the island has been exceeded by the number of Puerto Ricans who live in the United States. These votes, along with the state of Florida, will play a critical role in the 2012 election. Over 800,000 Puerto Ricans live in Florida.

Referendum Will Give New Political Status to the Island

During President Obama’s five-hour stay in the island, one of two issues that will be addressed by Governor Luis Fortuño has to do with the configuration of the new political system. This change was suggested by a task force initiated by the Obama administration that pointed to the need for a referendum on the political status of the island that could not be voted on by the end of 2012. The referendum allows the Puerto Rican residents to decide if Puerto Rico will be a part of the United States and become the 51st state or if Puerto Rico will be independent. On previous occasions, Puerto Ricans have voted to remain a commonwealth of the United States.