The Self-Determination Act Could Finally End US Colonisation of Puerto Rico The law comes as Puerto Ricans are rising up, making the status quo colonial relationship untenable. A woman holds a placard that reads "Ricky resign" during the seventh day of protest calling for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rossello in San Juan, Puerto Rico July 19, 2019. Photo: Reuters/Marco Bell World5 hours ago Last month, New York representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez â joined by New Jerseyâs Bob Menendez in the Senate â introduced the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2021. If passed, the legislation would create a process for Puerto Ricans to finally determine the nature of their relationship with the US, which for more than 120 years has colonised the island.