Can A Puerto Rican Become President Of The United States?
The answer to this broad question is, “maybe yes and maybe no.” As “statutory citizens,” the nearly four million Americans born in Puerto Rico might not be considered “natural born,” a Constitutional requirement to become President of the United States. Let s look at a few cases! CASE # 1 Jose Rodriguez, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, moves with his parents to New Jersey at the age of two. After arriving in their new home, his brother, Manuel, is born. Forty years later, both are prominent politicians and aspire to run for the Presidency. Manuel, as a “natural born” American citizen qualifies. Jose, having been born in Puerto Rico, holds “statutory American citizenship,” deriving from an act of the U.S. Congress in 1917. QUESTION: Does Jose qualify to be elected President of the United States? ANSWER: Maybe yes and maybe no! Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states “No Person except a “natural born” Citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of thi
