ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Proposed political status for Puerto Rico

Okay, so let's say you have a friend named Puerto Rico. He lives with his big friend, the United States (or USA), but he's not really sure if he wants to stay living with him as a regular friend or if he wants to become more like brothers - you know, like sharing everything and making decisions together.

So, some people are talking about a "political status" for Puerto Rico, which basically means deciding what kind of relationship they want to have with the USA. And there are a few options on the table:

1. Statehood: This means that Puerto Rico would become a new state in the USA, just like California or New York. They would have their own governor and representatives in Congress, but they would have to follow all the same laws as the other states.

2. Commonwealth: This is the status Puerto Rico has had since 1952. It's like being in a long-term relationship, where you're together but you're not officially married. Puerto Rico would still have some control over their own laws and economy, but the USA would have some say too.

3. Independence: This is like when you grow up and move out of your parents' house to live on your own. Puerto Rico would become its own country, with its own government and laws. They would have to figure out how to pay for everything themselves, including things like healthcare and education, which the USA currently helps out with.

So, Puerto Rico needs to decide which status they want. It's a big decision, and there are people who feel really strongly about each option. Whatever they decide, it's important that everyone is happy with the choice and that they can work together to make it work.