American Samoan citizenship and nationality

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American Samoa is a territory of the United States with a population of about 44,000 people, but the people of American Samoa do not have birthright citizenship in the United States. Instead of being considered citizens, they are classified as non-citizen "nationals" of the United States. American Samoa is the only permanently inhabited territory of the United States whose inhabitants do not have birthright citizenship. Non-citizen nationals do not have full protection of their rights, though they may reside and work in the United States and can gain entry without a visa. Territorial citizens do not have the ability for full participation in national politics and American Samoans cannot serve as officers in the U.S. military or in many federal jobs, vote in local elections, serve on a jury, or hold public office or civil-service positions even when residing in a U.S. state. Like non-Americans, American Samoans can apply to become naturalized U.S. citizens once they reach the age of 18 and...

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