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[–] NoisyCricket 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

Yes. Territory status provides for mutual defense, access to congressional funding, non-foreign loan programs (basically the US can "co-sign"), travel benefits, trade benefits, adoption of legal standards and laws, and other special privileges.

The best way to think of a territory is that they are a protectorate.

Puerto Rico's value is mostly of historical significance. They provided ports and forts as well as trade access into the United States. They have some very old forts there. These days they provide little strategic value and are an economic anchor. Made worse in more recent times because of the rampant socialist slant combined with their corruption. Which is why they are constantly trying to become a state. It would be a boon to them and an financial disaster and liability to the United States.