<P> The three current Free Associated States use the American dollar, receive some financial support and the promise of military defense if they refuse military access to any other country . Their citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. and serve in its military . </P> <P> Since 1953, the UN has been considering the Political status of Puerto Rico and how to assist it in achieving "independence" or "decolonization". In 1978, the Special Committee determined that a "colonial relationship" existed between the US and Puerto Rico . </P> <P> The UN's Special Committee has often referred to Puerto Rico as a nation in its reports, because, internationally, the people of Puerto Rico are often considered to be a Caribbean nation with their own national identity . Most recently, in a June 2016 report, the Special Committee called for the United States to expedite the process to allow self - determination in Puerto Rico . More specifically, the group called on the United States to expedite a process that would allow the people of Puerto Rico to exercise fully their right to self - determination and independence...(and) allow the Puerto Rican people to take decisions in a sovereign manner, and to address their urgent economic and social needs, including unemployment, marginalization, insolvency and poverty ". </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section is in a list format that may be better presented using prose . You can help by converting this section to prose, if appropriate . Editing help is available . (November 2017) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What is the background on the question of statehood for puerto rico