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American Samoans Seek U.S. Citizenship in Court Battle

May 16, 2014 (1 min read)

"A landmark appeal in Washington DC could determine the future status of those born in US territories.  Lene Tuaua from American Samoan leads four other plaintiffs in a case where they're arguing that being born on US soil, they are entitled to be known as more than "non-citizen nationals".  Representatives from Guam, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are supporting the case.  Attorney Charles Ala'ilima, an American Samoan himself, says while other territories do receive citizenship, American Samoa are still treated as second class." - RadioAustralia, May 15, 2014.

Background:

June 2013 district court decision here.

Appellants' brief here.

Amicus brief here.