# Puerto Rico, the 51st state; some questions

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-rico-the-51st-state-some-questions/640184
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 7, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-rico-the-51st-state-some-questions/640184 "2012-11-07T06:39:02Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 12

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### Author: ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)
#### Post date: [November 7, 2012, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-rico-the-51st-state-some-questions/640184/12 "2012-11-07T13:22:23Z")

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> [@foolsguinea](#):
>
> This is an insane idea. Expect the ongoing snit over bilingualism to kick up a couple of notches.

It’s also a ridiculous snit. There is no official language in the US. Several states have historically had a high proportion of Spanish speakers due to being formerly part of Mexico or a Spanish colony. The world will not end if there’s a majority-Spanish state. Learning English is already mandated in PR so really, nothing would change.

> [@](#):
>
> I suppose if Puerto Rico becomes a state, that could precipitate another state leaving.

States aren’t allowed to leave - that was settled in the 19th Century.

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