Annotations for Dates: 1993-11-14

So what happens with the US Congress when they get the decision on November 14th of what the Puerto Rican people decide? What role does the US Congress have to play this time?

President Clinton interviewed on Spanish language television, said he favors continuing educational and public health services for the undocumented and also statehood for Puerto Rico if the islands residents vote that way on November 14th. The border patrol's continuing blockade of a 20-mile area of the Texas-Mexico border is drawing fire from Mexican officials. Louie Saenz reports from El Paso.

Showing their birth certificates and other ID, the New York voters proved they could participate in what's called a parallel plebiscite. Over the next few weeks, Puerto Ricans in Orlando, Florida, Springfield, Massachusetts and Chicago will be holding similar votes. Puerto Ricans living on the island will be voting for their future on November 14th. The plebiscites are non-binding on Congress, who will ultimately decide Puerto Rico's future. Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer says the higher than expected turnout in New York was a testament to the strong patriotic feelings of Puerto Ricans no matter where they live.

[Background--Music--Salsa] Ever since 1898, when the island of Puerto Rico first became a US territory, Puerto Ricans have debated their relationship to the United States. 40 years after becoming a US commonwealth in 1952, the debate still continues with some Puerto Ricans favoring the status quo, others advocating the island become the nation's 51st state, and still others calling for Puerto Rico's independence. During his electoral campaign, Puerto Rico's governor Pedro Rosello promised to try to put an end to the eternal debate over status by calling for a plebiscite. That vote on November 14th may not be the last word on Puerto Rico's status, but Puerto Ricans are hoping it will force the US Congress to act. Latino USA's Maria Martin is in San Juan to report on the plebiscite.

For the first time in 26 years, the people of Puerto Rico went to the polls to express their preference on the island's political destiny and in a very close vote, Puerto Ricans chose to retain their current commonwealth status over becoming the nation's 51st state, or an independent republic. Latino USA's Maria Martin was in Puerto Rico for the November 14th vote. She filed this report.