Should U.S. Territories Like Guam Be Independent? | AJ+

More Americans from Guam serve in the U.S. military, per capita, than from any U.S. state. But they can’t even vote for president.

AJ+ Producer Jun Stinson goes to Guam to speak with service members and veterans about what it's like to serve a country that doesn't allow you to vote. Then she meets up with indigenous Chamorro activists who are fed up and consider Guam to be a U.S. colony.

Archival photos courtesy of Rodney A. Cruz Jr. and Chad Rivera.
Archival video courtesy of AP, Reuters, CNN, United Nations, Chad Rivera, and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (Amy Forsythe, Producer).
Music tracks courtesy of APM and Audio Networks.

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[ed]

As a Puerto Rican I totally relate to Guam's status as 2nd class citizens. I've retired from 26 years in the Army serving as a non-commissioned officer, then commissioned officer. I led soldiers in war. Yet, if I chose to stay on the island I would not be able to vote for the President. And we're harmed by policies such as the Jones Act. I know there are people from Guam that have done as much or more than I for our country. Congress needs to change this.

[zhubajie]

All U.S. territories should be offered statehood or independence by local referendum.

[dankidaniel]

80% of people dont even know where Guam is. Especially dont know it's a u.s. territory

[BrandonHanson]

Being a mainland United States Citizen. I would love to give so much more to Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa and their people. After traveling and talking to citizens from all 5 of them. I really wish the citizens and their land could have it better for all they deal with from us.

[josephgarcia]

Lived on Guam for about a year. Such a tiny island and yes, Anderson AFB and the Naval Station takes a big chunk of the land. It's a fairly Americanized society with the US Dollar being the currency. When I lived there, the independence voice was a small minority but perhaps it's grown now in this present identity politics environment. US govt should pay better rate for the land use...but they do pump a lot of money into the school system. It's tough being a tiny island in a larger world...very limited resources in terms of self-sustaining economy other then Japanese tourism. Yes, a return to local self-sustenance is doable but how realistic in the larger world theater? I fear Guam is doomed to always be under the shadow of a larger power.

[jonathangreen]

The people of Guam (U.S. Citizens) should be allowed to vote for the presidency and especially its U.S. Veterans.

[christianmerante]

Y'all haven't heard about the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. We're an underrepresented U.S. Territory.

[froilancrisostomo]

Thank God Philippines 🇵🇭 Gained Independence from United States 🇺🇸 July 4 1946 (76 years ago).

[warrencardwell]

I personally want to thank all Veterans from U.S. Territories for their service in the military. Staff Sergeant Retired U.S. Army Warren C.

[hanisster]

I myself prefer them to go independent rather than become a US state, because, if they are a state, they still could be left hanging, and still cannot fully decide their future.. Trust in urself, proud of ur identity, and make the most of it. I support for Guam as a nation!

[beshiemariemaebiglangtambl]

Guam & norther marianas We are one chamorros! We are one archipelago! Lets all move on the the past and forward for one strong new chamorros for our next generation!

[corporalclegg]

I served in the Army with some great brothers from Guam. Guam and other territories like Puerto Rico, US. Virgin Islands have all more than earned their right to their own choosing. If they want to be American which I have always considered them, then make them a state with full rights.

[heyheyhey]

Thank you AJ for bringing light to this unfair and unjust situation

[stevenmoylan]

Out of all the other territories Guam is the most vital to US military interests. It has been stated numerous times how important the island is and is often referred to as the “unsinkable carrier ship” or the “tip of the spear” & the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.” It’s all military speak for Guam is ‘Where America’s Military Is positioned’ and not necessarily reflective of Where US Constitutional rights may o in Guam’s case ‘not’ apply.

[phoenix]

As a Filipino, I wouldn't think this would be a brilliant idea. Since becoming independent, we have been plagued with localized corruption and neo-colonial anxiety to the point of being economically protectionist. The result: mass poverty. Puerto Rico and Guam may not be perfect, but they're in a better position than us.

[jdaniel]

You might end up like the Philippines though. "Independent" but run by a few rich families and warlords.

[theking]

It won't be independent. It's too valuable for that, but statehood is possible.

[buickskylark]

When he said I say I am an American but I say it painfully I felt so ashamed. They are our American brothers and sisters we need to do right by them period.

[Lonesome__Dove]

"Even though I say I am an American, I say it painfully " 😭😢💔

[Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

We on the mainland also have ridiculous wait times for medical appointments (in both the VA and civilian medical establishment).