How statehood is granted to U.S. territories, explained

Historically, territorial status has been granted as a precursor to statehood, yet 1959 was the last time any stars were added to Old Glory.

The United States controls five inhabited territories. While their citizens are American, their homes are not considered states — but someday they could be. Watch as CQ Roll Call explains the statehood process.

Instagram: RollCall

[droman]

That’s really nice! I hope the other territories have also started their process to begin Statehood!

[nuyorican]

When you showed Guam you also included the islands of Hawaii. They may both be in the pacific ocean but they are miles apart.

[pilgrimhere]

Thank you, A very Valueable information, very important too.👍

[williampitre]

The last referendum in PR, Statehood was favored by 52.52% of the voters. In DC's case 85.69% voted for Statehood in the 2016 referendum. Is there a super-majority requirement for Statehood?

[Theozenith]

How does one start a Territory Statehood Petition?

[LukejbButterworth]

Did not Vermont break away from New York ??? And while congress has never denied a statehood petition the President has in the case of the proposed state of Sequoyah .

[mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

People think the House and Senate move slow now for current issues, but Puerto Rico has been asking for statehood since 1950, currently 71 years later and it’s not been done! I was also shocked to learn that Alaska and Hawaii only became states in 1959! I have a question. Might a president have the power to sign an executive order to proclaim statehood for a territory, or must it always go through congressional approval?

[stevensiferd]

Too bad you didn't mention if DC has fulfilled the first three requirements like PR has.

[nikkotan]

Guam and Puerto can't vote for the president.

[jordancalimlim]

Let’s add DC and Guam as the new states.

[rewindinghistory]

Actually American Samoans are American nationals not citizen because they are classified as unorganized. It shouldn't be that way but it is.

[Jacksonmadeit]

Add Washington D.C and Puerto Rico 51st and 52nd

[Roberto-Antonio]

US Territories translate into US Colonial Possessions, better known as US Property. A Territory is not a precursor to Statehood, Incorporating a Territory is the only precursor to Statehood. Every former US Territory that was made a State, was granted Statehood only after the Territory was over populated by White Anglo American's. Hawaii and Alaska were made States for the sole purpose of the US military and the States strategic locations and Not for the political balance of power. US Colonialism is Slavery, Free Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, Am.Samoa, the Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands.

[marsmarcus]

How to grant statehood to Taiwan ? It is a democratic gov't with an actual elected president for 4 years. This statehood can solve a lot of current world issues.

[JordanWilliams-ixtd]

I wonder what Native Americans think about this....just curious seeing as how it was stolen From them & they were killed off &raped

[dinglelawrence]

So lemme see if I understand this status quo process of establishing a state! 12 men from a territory completely foreign to the Americas brought people from Britain and started their colony as a limited territory hidden in the America d territory, and when they could, they burned, attacked, and murdered until they formed a Union then, after that Union was formed they claimed this native territory as their own, by force? How is this not called a hostile invasion? So, as you colonized you broke into states taking hostages and making them your POWs and as your time evolved, you now want them to believe they are states! Based on your definition, you are an invader, not a state of states from Britain! You are Terrorist! This narrative of yours called history sure got a lot of spraining to do when it comes to territory and deed-ships! Somebody is lying their take off? I really do not believe the Amerinds of NATO under treaty, got to lie about their own origin in North America! This tale of the USA is full of holes in the floors of heaven?

[daisydoodle]

Washington D.C. is far more interesting