They want to be hanging. They've voted in the past to keep things the way they are and neither become a state nor go independent.
IIRC - Staying a Territory gives PR all the benefits of being a State, with none of the responsibilities
https://greengarageblog.org/17-big-pros-and-cons-of-puerto-rico-becoming-a-state
6. It makes Puerto Rico obliged to pay federal income tax.
If Puerto Rico were to become a state, it citizens would no longer be exempt from the federal income tax, forcing more people into the public dole due to the effects of increased taxes on a struggling economy.
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https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-arguments-for-and-against-Puerto-Rico-becoming-the-51st-state
Anyhow, aside from the fact that the people living on this island are being treated as 2nd class citizens, there are Pros and Cons for PR to become a state (as seen from an nonemotional point of view):
Cons:
- Large crime would now be counted as part of the USA statistics
- Shift of power in Congress towards the Democratic party (Con for Republicans)
- 51 states is an odd number and would have to change sooo many flags
- Perhaps some of the charm of visiting this island would be lost if this were merely a state
- No Olympic team for the island
- No Miss Universe for the island
- the first Spanish speaking state
- more regulation of environmental issues (big pharma we're lookin at you on this one)
Pros:
- Shift in power in Congress towards the Democratic party (Pro for Democrats)
- More talent for Olympic teams
- More talent for Miss Universe
- the idea that the USA has done right by a minority island (think of the largest growing minority, Hispanics, saying, "Wow, they accepted PR as a real part of the USA")
- easy access for business (looking at you Apple)
- increase in tax revenue