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Governor Togiola speaks out against citizenship bill pending in Congress
Governor Togiola Tulafono spoke out against a federal bill sponsored by Congressman Faleomavaega Eni, saying that the bill, if passed, would benefit foreigners more than US Nationals.
Speaking on his weekend radio program, Togiola said the bill forces US citizenship on US Nationals and he strongly opposes the measure, as he sees no additional benefits for US Nationals to become US citizens. He said that the bill would extend federal immigration laws to the territory, which currently has control of its own immigration and border issues, and the bill would mean that all provisions of the US Constitution and laws would apply to American Samoa.
One of the requirements the measure would waive, is the requirement that a US National reside in one of the 50 states for three months before applying for citizenship. In addition, another waiver would include the test of English proficiency and knowledge of US history and government.
The Governor said he wants the public to provide input on the bill before it is passed and enacted into law.
According to the Governor, if this happens, US citizenship will be forced upon US Nationals residing in American Samoa and that is why he is calling on the public to voice their opinion(s) on the matter, so a message can be sent to the Nation’s Capitol before Congress issues a final decision on the matter.
Faleomavaega has explained that the bill (H.R. 6191), would waive certain naturalization requirements for US Nationals living in American Samoa who ‘wish’ to become US citizens.”
Basically, the proposed measure is to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain requirements for naturalization for American Samoan United States nationals to become US citizens.
Faleomavaega explained that the bill allows any person who wishes to become a US citizen to apply directly from American Samoa, instead of traveling to the US.
But the Governor argues that US Nationals are receiving the same benefits as US citizens, including the ability to travel abroad freely with a US passport, not to mention other federal benefits.
Togiola made reference to the Future Political Status Study Commission (FPSSC) whom already addressed the issue and recommended in their 2007 report that the territory not seek US citizenship for its people “at this time.”
One of the things the Governor touched on was the military draft which, according to him, would affect all those 18 years old and older who are US citizens residing in the territory. He explained that such a policy does not currently apply to American Samoans, thanks to their US National status, and added that some active Samoan military members, although they have the option to apply for US citizenship, decide against it and instead, keep their US National status.
But the biggest concern, according to the Governor, is that such a policy would open up a door that would be flooded by an increasing number of foreigners relocating to the territory so their children can be born here and later on, become US citizens.
According to the Governor, such a thing impact local customs and issues with land. Because of this, Togiola believes the measure would benefit foreigners more than it would US Nationals and if the territory begins to experience an influx of foreigners upon passage of the proposed bill, then he would have no choice but to put a stop to the number of foreigners entering the territory.
Local residents wishing to submit their opinions on the measure are welcomed to write to Congress with their views or otherwise, forward their concerns to the Governor’s Office who will relay the message to Washington for them.
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