WASHINGTON (TNND) — Members of Congress are reportedly lobbying President Donald Trump to consider making Puerto Rico an independent nation, according to a report by the Daily Mail. A draft executive order obtained by the publication suggests that transitioning Puerto Rico from a U.S. territory to an independent country could save the United States approximately $617.8 billion annually.

The draft document also highlights that the U.S. government is projected to spend $1.37 trillion over the next 50 years in support of Puerto Rico, in addition to up to $8.6 billion in disaster relief.

If Puerto Rico were to become independent, Puerto Ricans born in 2027 would not be eligible for U.S. citizenship, the Daily Mail reported. Becoming an independent country would also result in Puerto Ricans losing access to federal benefits, impacting healthcare, education, and public services. Currently, Puerto Rico's median household income is about $25,000, roughly one-third of the U.S. median, according to Census Reporter.

The U.S. gained control of Puerto Rico in 1898 following the Spanish-American War, and in 1952, Congress approved the island's constitution, officially recognizing it as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

While the idea of independence is being discussed, statehood for Puerto Rico has also been a topic of debate. An October YouGov survey found that 59% of Americans support Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state. Advocates argue that statehood would grant Puerto Ricans full citizenship with representation in Congress and could bring up to $12.5 billion more in federal benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid, according to a recent report from the Council on Foreign Relations.

However, critics, including former Republican leader Senator Mitch McConnell, have expressed concerns that adding Puerto Rico as a state could alter the political landscape by potentially providing Democrats with two additional Senate seats.