Jones-Shafroth Act and Imposed Citizenship (1917)

The Jones-Shafroth Act is one of the most debated laws in Puerto Rican history.

The Law: Granted U.S. citizenship, created an elected Senate, established a bill of rights. Did NOT give voting representation in Congress or the right to vote for President. Made Puerto Ricans subject to military draft.

Timeline: Signed March 2, 1917. U.S. enters WWI April 6, 1917 (35 days later). Draft begins May 18 (77 days later). ~18,000 Puerto Ricans served in WWI.

Opposition: Puerto Rico's House of Delegates voted unanimously AGAINST citizenship in 1914. José de Diego argued imposed citizenship violated self-determination. ~288 Puerto Ricans renounced citizenship.

What Citizenship Did NOT Change: No vote for President. No voting representation in Congress. Plenary congressional power under Territorial Clause. Trade still controlled by Congress.

The Jones-Shafroth Act created citizens with fewer rights than any other U.S. citizens — subject to all obligations (including death in war) with none of the political power.