Establishment of Foreign Settlers, Puerto Rico
Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 (Cédula Real de Gracias) is a royal decree by King Ferdinand VII of Spain. The decree encourages immigration to the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Initially, individuals came from Catalonia, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands. Later immigration included other Europeans of non-Spanish origins-Irish, Scots, Germans, and Italians. However, some scholars have noted that this was an attempt to whiten the population of Puerto Rico and Cuba. It also granted free land to settlers. In addition, incentives are available for any Spaniard willing to relocate, settle in the territories, invest money, and provide technology for agricultural development.
The situation in Europe that led to the Royal Decree
During the latter part of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, significant economic and political changes occurred in Europe. Thousands of farmworkers migrated to cities seeking industrial jobs and better opportunities. Those who stayed behind to attend to the farmlands dealt with widespread crop failures brought on by long periods of drought and diseases. Cholera epidemics broke out, and starvation was widespread in Europe. Social and economic disruption also followed the European Revolutions of 1848, which erupted in Sicily and the German states. The French Revolution of 1848 contributed to the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and more changes.
These conditions led to massive European immigration to the Americas. Settlers who swore their loyalty to the Spanish Crown and allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church could apply for a “Letter of Domicile.”
After five years, a “Letter of Naturalization” made the settlers Spanish subjects. Then, in 1870, to attract non-Catholic Europeans, Spain’s Cortes of Cádiz passed a law granting the right of religious freedom in the islands.
The following PDF sets forth the rules and regulations for all Foreigners residing in Puerto Rico. The document is in Spanish. Eventually, I plan to translate the document into English. However, if anyone knows it already exists, please make me aware, and I will update this post. Thank you.
Cedula-de-Gracias-1815-PR-Rules