As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is perpetually stuck in limbo.

The people there are subject to federal laws, but don't have a vote for president or Congress.

This is a major problem when it comes to responding to disasters like Hurricane Fiona, which hit the island last month.

Many Puerto Ricans are deeply frustrated by what they claim has been a slow and inefficient response from a federal government that they have no say in.

Some want statehood, some want more autonomy. A small, but growing, group of people want independence.

Jaquira Diaz's essay "Let Puerto Rico Be Free" for The Atlantic looks back at key moments in the history of Puerto Rico and argues for the island's independence.

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