Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez recently made a powerful declaration about Puerto Rico’s political future when she told the press: “Puerto Rico will never become a state.”

She explained that Puerto Rican statehood will never get the required 60 votes in the Senate, and that even without the filibuster, statehood would not get enough votes from Republicans and Democrats.

We commend Rep. Velázquez, who knows the politics of this issue in Congress better than anyone, for her much-needed candor. She has clearly explained the political reality that has perpetuated Puerto Rico’s colonial status, and her statement should move everyone who supports Puerto Rican decolonization to action.

The conclusion is clear: Puerto Rico’s current colonial status is unacceptable and harmful. Statehood is politically impossible. Independence is the only path forward.

We call upon Rep. Velázquez, in her last year in office, to boldly cement her legacy as Puerto Rico’s champion by courageously advocating for the island’s sovereignty. We urge her colleagues in Congress to support independence as the only viable path to end Puerto Rico’s colonial status. And we will continue our advocacy work to bring together the Puerto Rican and American peoples to advance the only outcome that guarantees freedom and democracy for both of our nations.