ABSTRACT

The controversy rests on who would be considered "Puerto Rican" for the purpose of participating in any potential status referenda. Not only is the political situation of the island being deliberated, but there also debates about what it means to be Puerto Rican among members of the Puerto Rican diaspora. The status debate is also accentuating the notions of difference among members of the Puerto Rican diaspora. In response to all the discussion and questions that the status debate had initiated, the members of the Puerto Rican diaspora are trying to identify among them who are the "real" Puerto Ricans. On the other hand, Puerto Ricans in the historical communities perceive themselves as the center of the Puerto Rican diaspora, and thus, an integral part of the Puerto Rican nation, rejecting any claim of distinction from those in other parts of the United States.