Puerto Ricans are natural-born citizens of the United States. The territory operates under a local constitution, and its citizens elect a governor. Puerto Rico's residents are unable to vote in the U.S. Congress, which has plenary jurisdiction over the territory under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950.uerto Rico's residents are unable to vote in the U.S. Congress, which has plenary jurisdiction over the territory under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950.