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Statehood Pros •Permanent and guaranteed U.S. citizenship and an end to U.S. colonial
rule over the island.
•The island would receive federal money to build infrastructure.
•The island would acquire five seats in the House of Representatives and two seats in the Senate,
enabling the island to have more political clout and the people to vote in presidential elections.
Statehood Cons •Possibility of English-only requirements (loss of cultural or national
identity).
•An increased influx of money could result in extreme inflation, leading to further economic
deterioration because of the current muddled economic situation.
•Businesses that take advantage of certain tax benefits could leave the island, and future
businesses might not consider locating there.
Independence Pros •Island would retain language and culture.
•Island would be able to participate in the global economy.
•End of U.S. colonial rule over the island.
,Interdependence Cons •Islanders would lose U.S. citizenship.
•Island would lose U.S. protection.
•Island would lose federal funds.
Puerto Ricans Today •Migration largely post-World War II
•Mostly in NYC initially, but now Florida
•Neoricans - Puerto Ricans returning to island
•Different social constructions of race
-Color gradient on island - continuum of colors (e.g., White, Bronze or Wheat, Dark, Black)
-Black-White racial dichotomy on mainland
-Migration to mainland experience
Identifying Arab, Muslim, andMiddle Eastern Americans •Overlapping but distinct
categories of Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern
•Diversity in the Middle East
Arab Americans •Arab American population rapidly growing
, •Panethnic group solidarity among diverse people from Arab countries
Muslim vs. Pakistani vs. American Muslim: Faith, Family, Moral code, Quranic schools
Pakistani: Politics, Kinfolk, Remittances, Imported Books/ videos
American: Voting, occupation, community, Mass media, Public schools
Muslim Americans •Islam is second largest world religion (about 24%) after Christianity
(33%)
•Encompasses all aspects of life, connection of church and state
•Specific faiths and further subdivisions
•May be as many as 3 million Muslim Americans, 2/3 U.S.-born
Muslim Americans •Ethnic and racial diversity of Muslim Americans
-20-42% African American
-24-33% South Asian (e.g., Indian)
-12-32% Arab