Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora (BUDPR) brought together more than a dozen Puerto Ricans and allies to meet with members of Congress and strengthen support for Puerto Rico’s independence.

On April 14, 2026, advocates for Puerto Rico’s decolonization and independence met with members of Congress as part of a Lobby Day organized by Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora (BUDPR).

More than a dozen Puerto Ricans and allies from across the United States met with 16 Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. engaging with long-time allies of Puerto Rican self-determination like Rep. Delia Ramírez (IL-3) and strengthening relationships with influential members of Congress like Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-7), George Latimer (NY-16), and Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.

The group of advocates informed members of Congress about Puerto Rico’s ongoing struggles as a U.S. colony, the urgency of an inclusive and effective decolonization process, and the viability of sovereignty for Puerto Rico, which has growing support on the island and could achieve the necessary bipartisan support that statehood has failed to receive. They encouraged members of Congress to embrace Puerto Rican independence as a just and necessary resolution to 127 years of U.S. colonial rule over Puerto Rico.

The advocates also pushed members of Congress to support the island in more immediate ways, like advocating for a permanent exemption to the Jones Act, which significantly raises the cost of living in an already impoverished Puerto Rico. This exemption currently exists for other territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Lobby Day was organized by Boricuas Unidos en la Diáspora (BUDPR), a national political organization of Puerto Ricans, primarily in the United States, who educate, organize, and advocate for Puerto Rico’s decolonization and sovereignty.

“We need to make sure that Puerto Rico’s status is on the agenda in Washington, D.C., no matter who the President is or which parties are in power,” said Chris Soto, BUDPR’s Policy Director, who formerly served as a Senior Official in the Biden Administration. “At a time when Congress’ refusal to consider statehood has stalled any efforts toward decolonization, we want American lawmakers to know that there is a better path to justice for Puerto Rico that deserves their support.”

BUDPR is also committed to empowering Puerto Ricans across the diaspora to organize, and lobby their elected officials for Puerto Rican sovereignty. The group was composed of advocates from eight different states and Washington, D.C., who came together to raise their voices for Puerto Rico’s freedom.

“It’s important to fight back against the disinformation campaign that all Puerto Ricans want statehood. Not only do we want sovereignty, we have been fighting towards it for over 127 years. Advocating for independence in Congress is my way of sending a message that we are not backing down from decolonization which is not simply necessary, it’s the only progressive path forward,” said Constanza Eliana Chinea, a Puerto Rican journalist and activist based in Los Angeles.

The Lobby Day was part of a BUDPR’s week of action in Washington, D.C., which also included the event “Puerto Rico to Palestine: Organizing for Liberation” featuring Puerto Rican and Palestinian activists.