The Puerto Rican Flag on Your Phone Is Meant to Support Statehood. Here’s What That Means.

The Puerto Rican flag in general is meant to resemble the Cuban flag. As the 2 Caribbean island nations have a lot in common, but also a lot of differences. Both islands share Spanish origins and play pivotal roles in the history of the Americas. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became an American Territory.

The blue triangle of the Puerto Rican flag is usually a shade of light, royal blue. But when the triangle part of the flag is navy, it is usually meant to support statehood. Chances are, you have seen directly it front of you on the device you use every day: your phone, and on the emoji keyboard. That is because the current Puerto Rican flag emoji actually has a navy triangle. The reason why is because the current Puerto Rican Governor, Pedro Pierluisi is a supporter of statehood.

Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi. — Courtesy of Joe Raedle/Getty Images

“Authentic” Puerto Rican Flag with its royal blue triangle— Courtesy of the author

Puerto Rican Flag supporting Statehood — Courtesy of the author

Another note to point out — if you are ever walking around Puerto Rico, there are also versions of the Puerto Rican flag in black, which are meant to be a sign of protest. The issue could be about anything.

A Black and White Puerto Rican flag being used at a solidarity with Puerto Rico march in Chicago in 2018 — Courtesy of Charles Edward Miller

Although Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, they do not pay federal income tax since they do not have a voting member of congress, as all of the American territories do not have voting representation. However, they do pay payroll taxes, helping fund Medicaid, Social Security, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Though, Puerto Rico has limited or no access to these federal programs, and more than 40% of the population lives in poverty. With statehood, those in Puerto Rico who can‘t easily fend for themselves or their own families can easily benefit from these programs to help them. Congress and the federal government have always been allowed to treat Puerto Rico as foreign for domestic purposes and a state for international services.

The Puerto Rico Status Act is currently gaining grounds in the halls of Congress. It was recently reintroduced in the House of Representatives in April. The federally binding referendum aims to resolve its territorial status and its relationship with the United States.