Final answer:
Cuba and the Dominican Republic are independent countries today, recognized as sovereign states, and members of the United Nations, whereas Puerto Rico remains a territory of the United States with commonwealth status and is not an independent country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked pertains to the current status of certain territories as recognized by the US State Department. According to the reference information, we need to determine which among the provided options is not a colony today.
When we look at decolonization, we know it refers to the process whereby former colonies gained independence from their European colonizers, with many becoming member states of the United Nations. Specifically, let's consider the options given, such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Cuba and the Dominican Republic are indeed independent nations today. They are recognized as sovereign states and are members of the United Nations. On the other hand, Puerto Rico remains a territory of the United States, holding a commonwealth status.
While it is not a colony per se in the traditional historical context, it is not an independent country due to the remnants of colonialism and its current political status with the United States.