WASHINGTON/PAGO PAGO (ABC/Pacnews) — Three American Samoans have petitioned the United States Supreme Court to grant them U.S citizenship on birthright.
Currently, people born in U.S Pacific territory of American Samoa are considered nationals, but not citizens of the United States.
Lawyer Charles Ala’ilima said anyone born on U.S soil has the right to citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
“American Samoa has been U.S. soil since 1900, when sovereignty was deeded, not by conquest, but by voluntary actions of the native chiefs,” he said.
The petitioners argue that denying them citizenship is unconstitutional and based on an outdated racist ruling.
“Hopefully, within the next few months, we’ll get the determination on whether the Supreme Court will take it up. This is basically the Supreme Court’s call,” he said.
However, according to an AP report, some American Samoans said “they’re happy being nationals and worry birthright citizenship would influence customs, like their unique land ownership system.”
