PAGO PAGO (Pacnews) — The commission which has reviewed political options for American Samoa has recommended that it maintains its status quo and continue as an unincorporated territory of the U.S.
But it also suggested that a process of negotiation with the U.S. Congress for a permanent political status be initiated.
The commission made recommendations regarding immigration, cultural preservation, the economy, public education and the constitution.
It recommended that American Samoa not seek U.S. citizenship for its people at this time.
The commissioner urges the delegate to Congress to introduce and pursue the passage of a bill that restricts the status of a U.S. national to children born in American Samoa of parents whose ancestors were residents of the territory in 1900 and Swains Island in 1925.
The commission noted growing concern among native American Samoans that too many foreign nationals come here and give birth to children who then become U.S. nationals.
If the present trend continues, the commission report said the children of native American Samoans may soon become a minority in their own home.