AOC: "Puerto Rico is a neo-colony." 

The update to what we discuss here is that a bill to change PR’s status passed the House but was not brought up for a vote in the Senate.

All jokes aside. Puerto Rican land should be made affordable to Puerto Ricans born in Puerto Rico.

I lived in PR in the 90s. When talking things were essentially: - independence? are your absolutely nuts! - full integration and paying fed taxes? are you out of your mind?

I am a Puerto Rican-American from NY and do not support AOC or her political goals. It is difficult to believe that even Puerto Ricans born within the 50 states are treated as second class citizens, but it is true. It is worse for some Puerto Ricans who are Veterans of the Armed Forces and still cannot land a job once they separate from the service. Discrimination is real people! NYC Civil Service Agencies discriminate against people of color and label them as unfit for specific job titles, which is disheartening.

Puerto Rico should be a Republic. We don’t need anyone’s permission to have our own freedom and Liberty.

Puerto Rico residents do not pay federal income taxes, as their income is exempt under Section 933 of the IRC. Do they want to give up to 40% of their income?

Puerto Rico needs to be a state. Puerto Ricans have fought in all american wars since 1898. We have won the right to have 2 senators and alloted congress according to populations

Why am I convinced that AOC will go out of her way to push option 2. I really hope and pray Puerto Ricans don't trust her and go with option 1 which is the very best option for the future of Puerto Rico and our people.

I like Spain 🇪🇸 better.

We The People of Boriken need to do a deep soul search and decide what do we really want to be! US citizens or Puertorriqueños. The last 100 plus yeas shows us that the in between is not the way.

she dont care. she want to build trust, and then take everything.

Statehood is the best solution for puerto rico, nothing has changed at all they need a change soon

*I am totally for Puerto Rico as the 51st State.* That said, if PR was a colony it would be that of Spain. To the US, the island is a territory. Calling it a colony is inflammatory and makes Depression Era and Boomer aged Congressfolk dig in their heels even more. Independence? It's a romantic notion that results in a right- or left-wing regime taking over in short order with invitations to Russia or China, respectively. And no one is going to vote for a PR descendant US Presidential candidate once PR is independent. The US should invite all five territories into Statehood. It doesn't ruin our system. It will actually prove that the US Constitution and Bill of Rights works even with differences in language and perceived differences in culture. I kinda hate that RU-vid recommended me this channel. It's stressing me out. LOL

Statehood is going to be the majority. No body would go back, like in the early 19 hundreds where a great amount of the population lived in shacks. Free Association is not the same as free associated state, the first is a complete independent country, in a compact with the US, the second is a non incorporated territory, better said a colony.

Bianca, you deserve kudos for masterfully navigating this inherently difficult topic with knowledge, grace and aplomb. 👏🏼

puerto rico needs to be free to make its own laws and economyand no live by controling tyrants,

Watch my series on Puerto Rico’s status here: ru-vid.com/group/PLpsevwfWsEBkAdwnBLFkqHqIf68oYEu3Q

Love love love this reporting, and the professional manner with which this interview was done.

🇺🇲 God bless the United States American soldier's from Puerto Rico, Georgia, Texas, Washington, California, Utah, NYC, Mississippi, NJ & more Private first class American soldiers!!! American civil war, Vietnam war, Spanish American war, French & India war, WWl, WWll, North Korea, Japan) & other Wars from the past!!. Never forgotten!!! 🇺🇲

Bianca Excellently! Done. For too long PR has been as you said, second class citizens. Yet the people of PR pay there high taxes & can’t even vote. Also you have those that come to the island & get to pay no taxes. An island that is so rich & able to do for itself in all areas. I for one was born in NY but, lived & study in PR as well. I also have family living in PR. Makes me think will PR be better off on independents instead of State hood? PR could do so much on selling food products alone. Fruits, Vegetables ETC.. For too long PR has been taken advantage of & the natives of the island suffer. It’s such a beautiful island & can do so much better. Thank You 🙏🏼 for your continuous fight for PR. GOD Bless 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

AOC ain’t gonna do crap.

A constitutional assembly is necessary because the system is so corrupted in ALL areas that they will find a way to manipulate the process. Q: Will PR be able to do free trade with other countries and use the ports freely or at a lower cost if the “free association” is chosen?

We need to revive our Arawak way’s of living with honor and respect

As an Associated state it has a PIB per capita of around $20k. As a separate country it would probably have one of around $5k. No need to say anything else.

Thanks to your contribution of making politics about PR understandable to the average American. Your service is highly appreciated! 😊

We don’t need a Hawaii 2.0

Being an on and off Guam resident. I watch intently when ever Puerto Rico statues comes up...Good talk.

Thank you Bianca for this interview. 😊😊😊

Why don’t the current residents of the United States get to vote as well? Did it ever occur to anyone that maybe the rest of the U.S. do not want Puerto Rico to be associated in any way, regardless of status, with the U.S. any longer?

Puerto Rico is the envy of almost all the islands in the Caribbean...just saying.

No queremos otra Cuba,otra Venezuela otra Nicaragua.,otra Rusia.no no no no no no. Esta idea es de los populares.Alexandria habla español.,para que explique a los que no hablar inglés..

Right on, GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!

For those who are afraid of worsening conditions in PR if the island becomes an independent, sovereign nation, just try to have a "look from the outside" approach. Frankly things can't be worse than it is now, as a US Territory. We are still bankrupt, financially and as a society. We are getting closer and closer every day to what we define as a failed state. Young people have no opportunities. Everywhere you go, everything looks run-down, businesses closed, infrastructure crumbling. There is no optimism for the future. Prices are sky high, mainly due to the Jones Act. Many politicians elected are a bunch of useless puppets to corruption, and they reflect the character of the people that elect them (it happens here in the US too). But worst of all is seeing we have no valid representation in Congress to watch for our interests. Puerto RIco is exactly as the US government wants it to be; poor, fully-dependent and with an ambiguous political status. There is but two or three districts (AOC's being one of them) in the entire US, where their constituents seem to support that their representative in Congress spend time and effort to vouch for Puerto Rico's interests, in terms of equal treatment. The rest are naturally "out of sight-out of mind", or would never OK that their Congresspeople spend their constituents' time fighting for Puerto Rico's due. I probably wouldn't allow it either if I was a resident of those states! We are the property of a country that has never considered Puerto Rico worthy of becoming part of them. Remember, we are not PART of the US, we are a PROPERTY. I don't even consider the term 'colony' appropriate or applicable anymore. We used to be a colony back when there was "Latifundio Monocultivo y Ausentismo". But colonialism has morphed into someting more obscure, much worse. Empires appreciated and supported and invested in their colonies. There was a mutual gain, and many times, pathway for sovereignty. For Puerto Rico now is nothing but loss. There is no benefit in being a territory, when there is so much more loss than gain. Things could be much better if we were not a territory. It is, and has been US policy, to maintain PR as a territory for many reasons; military/geo-strategic, risky medical and agricultural testing grounds that could never be done in the mainland, and many more reasons. But the biggest one is that Puerto Rico is a hot potato issue for Congress People. Almost no one in Congress wants to confront the reality of Puerto Rico while holding a seat in government. It is too much of a risky and touchy subject, re-election-wise. And the people who are suffering are not worthy of their time, effort or risk.There's this belief, by both sides of government that the balance of government will tip, affecting one party, more than the other. So let's be brave and consider independence for Puerto Rico. We have NOTHING to lose. Not anymore. No more Jones Act. We will be able to make our own decisions, do trade and commerce directly with other countries (which will bring more money than what we "get" from the US), especially those countries that see us a equal, not as inferior. We will create financial hubs, improve our tourism industry, restore our industrial facilities back to the glory days where college graduates had a great job waiting for them. We will mature as a country and end this destructive dependence on US money. A big part of the diaspora, myself included, will have a way to return and enjoy living there. All those things... We've hit rock bottom. It cannot get worse than people not having hope. We are slowly dying. Like a human colony on Mars or outer space. Only a change in status can bring that hope, and a roadmap to reconstruction back. Thank you MS Graulau for this very important video, and the effort you put forth for this forum for us to learn and share our thoughts and opinions. Eagerly waiting on the next!

We are to disappear 🇵🇷 Unlike the Cubans 🇨🇺👍🤔viva Cuba 🇨🇺 ♥️

Ms. Graulau, I haven’t gone through all of your videos yet, but your work is amazing and appreciated. If you haven’t already done so, it would be amazing for you to visit Hawaii and interview many of the indigenous people of the Island. I feel it would open the eyes of many Puerto Ricans who support both colonization and statehood.

Let’s definitely change this! First PR then next Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Island!! This is criminally negligent to be left in these indentured state-like conditions

I used to take you seriously until you bought in AOC, now I can't!

Buen trabajo Bianca. Aunque creo que el Congreso no aprobará el proyecto de ley al que hace referencia Alexandria. Además, Alexandria usa el ejemplo de Palau que es incomparable a Puerto Rico, en población, distancia, penetración e inmigración a los EEUU. Segundo, no se discute el sí o el no y la participación del eventual voto de los puertorriqueños residentes en los EEUU. Tercero, Puerto Rico no es una neocolonia, es 100% colonia, por lo que Alexandria se equivoca al no reconocer el Derecho Internacional en cuestión ni ningún periodo viable de descompresión colonial o descolonización ANTES de cualquier voto en materia.

Well, let's see if the bill it's passed is the crucial point. In a polarized Congress, it may be difficult. I think independence would be supported by major parties for various reasons.

You ladies are beautiful. If the ladies look like you both in Puerto 🇵🇷 Rico makes me want to come.

I have several friends that are PR. It's my understanding by talking to them that the country is split between independence, and statehood. I for one, would love to see PR become our 51st state, but of course, that is up to the people of PR. I can understand their reasons for not wanting to join the United States, but I can also understand why they would want to. Ultimately, it's up them, and the United States should honor their decision.

Way to Go Bianca! Keep educating the Puerto Rican Public and all!!!! This is awesome! Keep doing what your doing!!!

Excellent narrative and commentary. These women are very well versed in The status of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.

I've always felt PR should be offered full statehood. That the current situation is untenable.

Hola Senorita Graulau. This was a great video. Have a great day James Wright

Wait a minute. Why be in a rush to join a country that makes a point to lie to people about what they are entitled to. I would be so quick to try and do that . Nobody deserves false hope in the level we get it. I wouldnt wish it on anyone.

This is way past due on an island with a population, larger than many many US states. It’s transparent that they don’t want to make this beautiful island anything more than what it is.

Viva Puerto Rico and long live AOC!

It is a colonial arrangement but what the US did give our parents was citizenship . My family did very well because of our citizenship. But it breaks my heart to see the island not come back to its glory with many Puerto Rican owned homes and business. I love this girl and I love AOL she is powerful beyond measure .

La estás rompiendo!! Siga adelante en su camino en busca de la noticia real. Me siento bien orgulloso de tener una compatriota de mi país sin miedo.

Puerto Rico needs to become it own country.

This is not to offend anyone who is an AOC follower, but, in hearing her remarks in Congress, I have to admit that I do not trust the woman, or feel she's cranial when often enough, what comes out of her mouth is a word salad. Bianca, YOU are much more intelligent and cranial than AOC. There are questions that are not being answered with this "bill". The whole "bill" is questionable, and although AOC acts as if she has all the answers, she doesn't. This is my first time on here and I ventured into your channel via a short you had on PR. Thank you for all you do. You, Bianca, or someone much like you, should be the one representing PR, in Congress. This is all my personal take. ❤

Thanks for left the colony option out of the proyect!🙌🏿

mumbo jumbo politician garble!!!!!!!!.....only 23% show up in the past to vote on anything.....just claim independence then DO THE HARD WORK!

Puerto ricans need to take ownership of their country all the English-speaking Caribbean countries part company from England there were no side deals to be citizen for the next 50 years onstuff we cut our ties with them if you want to be independent country caught ties

Puerto Rico isnt just a neo colony. PR is the model of how the empire wants its citizens to be: docile, demoralized, deracinated

Muy orgullosa de lo lejos que has llegado Bianca! Sigue adelante ❤️

As a Puerto Rican I'm not quite able to follow AOC, we either have statehood or Independence, PERIOD.

Bianca sumamente impresionado con tu trabajo 🇵🇷🙏👍 quien dice que nuestra juventud esta perdida? tu representas juventud productiva y profesional en todo lo que e visto en tus videos gracias por tu trabajo y muchas bendiciones! you do a awesome job ! huge fan ! R lamb

US should cut loose Puerto Rico, like the US did with Liberia

And pay for all the people that have been dying from cancer because of the bombs in the ocean under the island and they have been using our Island as a military base all of the Puerto Ricans that died in Vietnam for nothing

AOC haha. Bianca, your channel is too advanced for that. But jokes aside, take a look at the island nation of Palau. Search online or find books on their country and how they formed their status. That's the best option and route for Puerto Rico now, and given how the world is now. But for the love of God, Puerto Rico must finally implement their own immigration/visitor entry laws and requirements. Puerto Rico is not a state of the USA and it's not a free-for-all. PR deserves respect and dignity, but most of all protection. Also look at Bermuda. They remain a territory of the UK, but they have their own immigration/visitor laws and requirements. UK citizens cannot just hop over to Bermuda and live there. UK citizens have to face the typical 90 days stay upon arrival, with no employment, vice-versa. And their real estate, there are laws to protect born-Bermudans and put them first. As for the passport, Bermuda has the known UK Kingdom passport, but on the cover below the seal, it reads something like "Bermuda". That's why I think of Bermuda whenever Puerto Rico issues come up, because Bermuda is still a territory of UK but is basically a country and its own unique culture. You can't deny it, and same goes for Puerto Rico. Thank you for all you do, Bianca! You are a true ambassador of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 ❤

go independents so Puerto Rico can get more welfare from the U.S. and we can see how the people can not take care of themselves.

Esta es una entrevista iconicamente importante. Pero para los medios boricuas, el caso de Pina, es mas importante. 😫

For sure a colony and the solution is to vote for independence or statehood. The best solution is independence. Congress is unlikely to approve statehood. The benefits of independence we can be open to the world and trade with them. In the meantime, the Puerto Rican government meaning Puerto Ricans has to be held accountable instead of this gringo bull. Yes, there is history in the past and we can go over and over the injustices of the past or present.

every time they vote they no one party has enough vote to change maybe they should be given two statehood or freedom. i think they should be given freedom.

You on the wrong side run for position in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico free from united states'And European powers racial fake Paris treaty you think you smarter than albizu😂campos his credentials were not from daddy's pocket he was intelligent.

FULL INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's time America gets off the tit.

CON TODA ESTA GENTE HAY Q TENER CUIDADO QUIEREN "DEFINIR" LAS COSAS PARA PUERTO RICO Y LOS PUERTORRIQUEÑOS *SIN* ELLOS SER PUERTORRIQUEÑOS LO Q SE DECIDA ACERCA DE ESTA ISLA Y LOS PUERTORRIQUEÑOS DE PUERTO RICO SOLO NOS COMPETE A NOSOTROS A NADIE MAS

As a half puerto rican, I say PR needs independence. Y'all are the only hispanics that aren't independent and that's embarrassing.

The rich that lives or owns property doesn't what PR to be a state! Why? Because the rich will end up paying their fair share of taxes.

I can be in favor of de colonizing Puerto Rico.... but the government has to be careful and make extra sure that they inform the puerto rican people in detail of what each of these terns and conditions and options mean so that we can make an informed and intelligent decision. However personally would be in favor of Option 2 -- where PR although still directly connected to the US, can still have total autonomy of themselves, i forgot the term she called it. I know that these will come with their cons but i want for puerto rico more than anything to have more control over themselves and their own economy and use the natural resources they have within the island already for the benefit of their own people instead of being so insanely co dependent and exploited by the US even if the US gives "benefits" ...

This interview should have been done in Spanish so that the people in Puerto Rico can understand how they are being used and abused.

Just make it a state already .

El izquierdismo se le sale hasta por los poros

15:50. Is AOC refering to Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez Colón?

AOC ha lamentablemente no nos hace ver bien en el congreso. Es una situación agridulce.

El estatus de Palau "Free Associated State" es lo mas cerca a lo que la mentira de ELA quiere fingir de ser. "Commonwealth" no tiene definición formal ninguna excepto una agrupación de algo. Es una colonia. Neo-Colonia no la es. Es colonia y ya. Estadidas es la unica opción que nos daría justa representación con voz y voto, con 5-6 Representantes y 2 Senadores en el Congreso federal. Eso es mas poder en el Congreso que 16 estados. Finalmente tendríamos justa representación y contro sobre nuestro drestino.

You mean I could have moved to Puerto Rico years ago????

Politicians are best at politics. This lady's interest is in her political career. Her stand has always been opposing Statehood. What changed?

who is this interview for? Americans in the mainland? Non Spanish speaking Puerto Ricans?

AOC should be the last person we should take advice from about Puerto Rico. She is a known socialist. If she is the best we have we be like Cuba. No thank you. Corruption is rampant enough on the island to listen to this know nothing. We all due respect.

Puerto Rico should be a state not a colony.

If Puerto Rico becomes a state the Puerto Rico citizens will have to pay property taxes!! Most Puerto Rico citizens will not be able to afford this and lose their homes!!

le pido a dios que Puerto Rico se haga independiente

Nuestro partido no entrara en componendas ni toleraremos transacciones qué menoscaba en la pureza del ideal es imposible compañeros que continue este coloniaje vergonzoso sin actuar de una manera terminante. Ahora compañeros os voy a exigir un juramento de honor queremos aqui solemnemente que defenderemos el ideal nacionalista y que sacrificaremos nuestra hacienda y nuestra vida si fuera preciso por la independencia de nuestra patria.

Only two options Statehood or independence nothing in between.. despierta Boricua

The liberation of Puerto Rico will not come from the hands of the U.S. Congress

US citizenship isn’t something to praise about. All it really means is that we’re subject to paying taxes no matter where you are in the world. It’s the only industrialized nation to tax based on citizenship. The United States isn’t going to improve itself as a country and it would be foolish to vote for statehood due to the fact that it’s a dying empire. With independence, Puerto Ricans have a shot in making something of itself internationally. There are more options for economic development

Honestly i feel that Puerto Rico should be independent of the united states because the united states invade Puerto Rico i hope and praying they be independent like the rest of the Caribbean islands

Of all people to interview..AOC? Sheesh.

No questions about statehood option itself? Why not?!

I’m a boricua and I find AOC to be one of the most ignorant politicians around. Bianca should be a congresswoman instead of AOC

Very interesting! I'm all for the Independence of Puerto Rico!!!!

Next time interview an intelligent person

Statehood is very important for Puerto Rico. I was born in Rio Piedras but was raised in NYC. I Cherish my American citizenship and the right to vote. Future generations of PR should be able to enjoy the right to true citizenship. What exactly does independence mean anyway. Independent to do what and who rules? A lot of the Islands politicians are corrupt so what would happen to ordinary PR citizens without the Federal help that we have now? Not wise at all

Martinique Guadeloupe French Guyana We are with you fight rest of colonialism in Caribbean

Free Association is still independence, but on training wheels…

Excellent video. Thank you for covering this important topic. It is completely ignored by the MSM.

AOC doesn't know what she's talking about. We need to end the status cuo and only have two alternatives for the future of PR. The commonwealth status is outdated, and we need a new status. Statehood or independent.