Immigration Law at American Samoa (US)
Immigration law in American Samoa is unique compared to other U.S. territories and states. While American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, it has its own local immigration laws and policies, distinct from federal U.S. immigration law.
Here are the key points about immigration law in American Samoa:
Local Control over Immigration
American Samoa controls its own borders through the Department of Legal Affairs, Immigration Office.
U.S. federal immigration laws do not automatically apply in American Samoa. This is unlike other U.S. territories like Guam or Puerto Rico.
Local immigration laws are set by the American Samoa legislature and enforced by local authorities.
🛂 Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter American Samoa and must obtain approval from the Attorney General’s office if planning to stay longer than 30 days.
Non-U.S. citizens must obtain an entry permit before arriving. This process involves:
Sponsorship from a resident or business.
Background checks and documentation.
Sometimes a bond requirement.
👥 Immigration Categories
Entry permits may be granted for:
Tourism
Business
Employment
Study
Permanent residency (rare and requires long-term residence and deep community ties)
⚖️ Permanent Residency & Citizenship
Permanent residency is difficult to obtain and often reserved for people with family or strong business ties to the territory.
Even if someone becomes a U.S. national (which most American Samoans are), they are not automatically U.S. citizens unless they go through the naturalization process under U.S. law.
Foreign nationals may live and work in American Samoa under permit, but their status is subject to local laws and renewal requirements.
🏛️ U.S. Nationals
People born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens by default.
U.S. nationals can live and work in the U.S. without a visa but cannot vote or run for federal office unless they become naturalized citizens.
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