Is American Samoa Considered a U.S. Citizen?

Imagine this: You're on a beautiful beach in American Samoa, enjoying the lush scenery and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Amidst this paradise, you hear a conversation about citizenship. It sparks a question that's not as straightforward as it might seem: Is American Samoa considered a U.S. citizen?

To unravel this, we need to dive deep into the unique status of American Samoa and its relationship with the United States.

Understanding American Samoa's Status

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means it falls under U.S. jurisdiction but isn't fully integrated into the country like the states are. Residents of American Samoa are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens. This distinction is crucial for understanding their rights and obligations.

U.S. National vs. U.S. Citizen

To grasp the nuances, let’s break down the difference:

• U.S. Nationals: Individuals born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals. They owe allegiance to the United States and can travel to the mainland freely, but they do not have all the rights of U.S. citizens. For instance, they cannot vote in federal elections.
• U.S. Citizens: In contrast, U.S. citizens enjoy full rights, including voting in federal elections, running for federal office, and holding a U.S. passport.

Historical Context

The status of American Samoa has evolved over time. When American Samoa was ceded to the U.S. in 1900, it was under the provisions of the "Samoa Act." This act granted U.S. nationality to residents of American Samoa, differentiating them from U.S. citizens.

The distinction has persisted despite various legal challenges and proposals to change the status of American Samoa to that of a U.S. state or a fully incorporated territory.

Legal Implications

Being a U.S. national rather than a U.S. citizen has several implications:

• Travel and Residency: U.S. nationals from American Samoa can travel to the U.S. mainland without a visa and reside there, but they face restrictions on certain federal benefits and opportunities.
• Employment: They are eligible for federal jobs, but their status may affect certain employment opportunities and benefits.
• Military Service: U.S. nationals can enlist in the U.S. military and serve alongside U.S. citizens, but they might face different enlistment criteria and benefits.

Citizenship and Identity

Many American Samoans identify as Americans and are proud of their unique heritage and status. Efforts to change their citizenship status have surfaced periodically, but so far, the status of being a U.S. national remains unchanged.

Current Debates and Future Prospects

The debate over whether American Samoa should become a U.S. state or have its citizenship status altered continues. Advocates for change argue that full U.S. citizenship would provide equal rights and opportunities, while others emphasize the cultural and historical significance of maintaining the current status.

Conclusion

So, is American Samoa considered a U.S. citizen? Technically, no. Residents of American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens. This status comes with specific rights and limitations that are distinct from those of U.S. citizens. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone interested in the political and legal dynamics of U.S. territories.

As the conversation in American Samoa's beautiful beach continues, this knowledge may add depth to your appreciation of this unique place and its place within the broader U.S. framework.

Summary

American Samoa's status as a U.S. territory with U.S. national but not U.S. citizen status creates a unique legal and cultural position. The ongoing discussions about this status reflect the broader questions about identity and rights within U.S. territories.