U.S. Supreme Court, Upholds Exclusion of Puerto Ricans, from Federal Benefits Program.
Associated Press reports the Supreme Court has ruled
that Congress is within its power to deny Puerto Rican citizens access to a federal benefits program.
Associated Press reports the Supreme Court has ruled
that Congress is within its power to deny Puerto Rican citizens access to a federal benefits program.
The United States' highest court voted eight to one
that making Puerto Ricans ineligible for the
Supplemental Security Income program
did not violate their constitutional rights.
The program grants benefits to older,
disabled and blind Americans and is available
in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. .
The one dissenting vote reportedly
belonged to Justice Sonia Sotomayor,
whose parents were born in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has been
a territory of the U.S. since
the Spanish American War in 1898.
Puerto Rico has been
a territory of the U.S. since
the Spanish American War in 1898.
The residents of Puerto Rico
are considered U.S. citizens.
Puerto Rican citizens are permitted
to vote in primaries but not allowed
to participate in presidential elections.
They also have limited representation in Congress.
The AP points out that many
Puerto Rican citizens also
do not pay federal income tax.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh defended the decision,
citing an earlier federal ruling that excluded
Puerto Rico from being eligible for the SSI. .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh defended the decision,
citing an earlier federal ruling that excluded
Puerto Rico from being eligible for the SSI. .
The AP reports that many in Puerto Rico
were outraged by the decision,
including Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
The AP reports that many in Puerto Rico
were outraged by the decision,
including Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
The decision ... once again confirms
that the territorial status of Puerto Rico
is discriminatory for the island’s
U.S. citizens and allows Congress
to do what it wants with us, Pedro Pierluisi, governor of Puerto Rico,
via Associated Press
