Equally American

“With the Supreme Court recently dodging two opportunities to overrule the Insular Cases, it is more important than ever for the House to make clear that the racist Insular Cases and the colonial framework they established should have no part in the United States today,” said EA President Neil Weare.

National Civil Rights Groups Urge House to Pass Resolution Condemning Insular Cases Equally American advocates for equality and civil rights for the 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories.

“When the federal government fails to treat residents of U.S. territories the same as residents of other U.S. jurisdictions in federal data collection, it sends the message that they do not count - both literally and figuratively. Whether you live in a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia should not impact how you and your community are counted in the U.S. Census and other federal statistics,” said Neil Weare, President of Equally American, a study co-author. “Data equity in U.S. territories is something the Biden Administration can largely fix without the need for congressional action. As we approach the 125th anniversary of the United States holding overseas colonies, the time to act on this is now.” https://www.equalrightsnow.org/new_study_highlights_need_for_federal_data_equity_in_u_s_territories

“One of the root causes of persistent poverty in Puerto Rico is the Insular Cases, which to me represents a continuation of Jim Crow” - Rep. Ritchie Torres

Ritchie Torres Labels Insular Cases As ‘A Continuation Of Jim Crow’ On Tuesday, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) questioned witnesses about persistent poverty in marginalized communities and Puerto Rico. Stay ConnectedForbes on Fac...

"It’s time the Insular Cases and the territorial incorporation doctrine become a relic of the past." Lía Fiol-Matta, LatinoJustice PRLDEF

Enough With the Insular Cases! The Tragedy of Vaello Madero | CUNY LAW REVIEW Lía Fiol-Matta Earlier this year, the Supreme Court delivered a strong blow to Puerto Rico by ruling that its neediest residents are not eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). U.S. v. Vaello Madero challenged the exclusion of otherwise eligible residents … Continue reading →