Previously a common state was considered a protected state, but under the United States, Puerto Rico enjoys all the benefits and rights of the US citizen except the right to elect a president of the States United while residing on the island. You may exercise this right only if you reside in the continental United States. Puerto Rica has no senator representing it in the Senate, although it has a non-voting representative in the House. Citizens elect their local leaders except the governor who is appointed by the president of the United States. However, Puerto Rico enjoys tax exemption for sending aid to the island from the mainland United States. Citizens receive aid like any other US citizen living on the mainland, such as welfare, Medicare, and any federal aid program. The difference, however, is that Puerto Ricans are not required to pay any federal taxes to receive these benefits unlike people living on the mainland who must pay some federal taxes even though they pay Social Security and Medicare. In the years 1967, 1993 and 1998, Puerto Ricans voted to maintain their commonwealth status rather than become a state or independent. However, on November 8, 2012, Puerto Ricans voted for the first time with a vote total of 54% in a non-binding referendum supporting U.S. statehood. However, any attempt by Puerto Rico to become independent or statehood