To protect collective self-determination and individual rights under Federal statutes conferring nationality on persons born and residing in the territory of American Samoa, to enable subsequent elective United States citizenship upon application of such persons residing in a State or in a territory subject to sections 301 through 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.
Term Dictionary
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Summary
New bill creates a pathway for American Samoans to choose U.S. citizenship while preserving their unique status. Currently, people born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals but not automatic citizens. This bill lets them apply for citizenship if they live in a U.S. state or certain territories, while protecting those who want to keep their current status.
Overview
- Bill amends Immigration and Nationality Act to give American Samoans an optional path to U.S. citizenship
- Introduced November 7, 2025 by Rep. Radewagen
- Currently in House Judiciary Committee
Who does this affect?
- Main groups: Approximately 55,000 American Samoans who are U.S. nationals but not citizens, plus their families
- Who benefits: American Samoans living in the 50 states or certain territories gain ability to choose citizenship while maintaining cultural protections. Those who prefer to remain non-citizen nationals can keep that status.
- Teen impact score: 4/10 (symbolic relevance to citizenship rights but limited direct teen interaction)
- Affects teens born in American Samoa or with American Samoan parents, particularly those who move to mainland U.S. for college or work
What This Bill Does
- Amends Section 341(b) of Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1452(b)) to create two passport options for U.S. nationals
- Option 1: Standard passport identifying person as U.S. national but not citizen (maintains current status)
- Option 2: Upon written, signed request, passport identifying person as both national AND citizen if they reside in a state or territory covered by INA sections 301-308
- Repeals Section 325 of Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1436), which currently governs citizenship procedures for nationals
- Changes section header to 'Procedure for Passports for U.S. Non-Citizen Nationals' for clarity
Legislative Status
- Status: Introduced in House of Representatives
- Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary for review
In short
- American Samoans are currently U.S. nationals with limited rights compared to citizens (can't vote in federal elections, face some employment restrictions).
- This bill lets them apply for full citizenship through passport application if they live in the 50 states or certain territories.
- Those who want to keep their non-citizen national status can do soā€”it's completely optional.
- The change protects American Samoa's unique cultural and legal traditions while expanding individual choice.
- Repeals old citizenship procedures and creates clearer passport application process.
Why should I care?
This bill addresses a unique situation where people born in a U.S. territory don't automatically get citizenship like those born in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or Guam. American Samoans value their traditional land ownership systems and cultural practices, which some worry could be affected by automatic citizenship. This compromise lets individuals choose citizenship if they want it, especially important for those pursuing careers requiring citizenship (like federal jobs) or wanting to vote in presidential elections. It balances respect for American Samoa's collective self-determination with individual rights, showing how citizenship policy can adapt to different cultural contexts within the United States.