Previously a common state was considered a protected state, but under the United States Puerto Rico enjoys all the benefits and rights of an American citizen except the right to elect a President of the United States during his stay. on the island. He can only exercise this right if he resides on the American continent. Puerto Rica does not have a senator representing it in the Senate, although it has a non-voting representative in the House. Citizens elect their local leaders, except for the governor who is appointed by the U.S. president. However, Puerto Rico benefits from sending aid to the island from the mainland United States tax-free. Citizens receive benefits like any other United States citizen living on the continent, such as welfare, Medicare, and any federal assistance programs. The difference, however, is that Puerto Ricans are not required to pay federal taxes to receive these benefits, unlike people living on the mainland who must pay some federal taxes although they pay into Social Security and Medicare . In 1967, 1993, and 1998, Puerto Ricans voted to retain their status as a commonwealth rather than becoming a state or independent state. However, on November 8, 2012, Puerto Ricans voted for the first time with a total of 54% of the vote in a non-binding referendum in favor of US statehood. However, any attempt by Puerto Rico to become independent or a state