Puerto Rican independence refers to the movement advocating for the island of Puerto Rico to become a fully sovereign nation, separate from United States control. This movement has historical roots dating back to the late 19th century, with various political parties and leaders promoting the idea of independence, including the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. Supporters of Puerto Rican independence argue that it would allow the island to have full control over its political, economic, and cultural affairs. The debate continues today, with some Puerto Ricans favoring statehood, while others support maintaining the current commonwealth status or pursuing complete independence.