The new policy requiring an okay to board approval and a $20 entry fee for travelers from countries under the US visa waiver program coming to American Samoa was based on instructions from Governor Lolo Moliga.
A three page letter from the governor dated August 29, laid out policies to combat illegal immigration which includes requirements that were listed in the policy that went into effect last Friday, the same day that it was released to the port and airport, airlines and shipping agents and others in the travel industry.
The governor wrote that the influx of immigrants entering illegally bringing with them drugs and other contraband is well documented.
There is also a growing number of immigrants entering on visitor permits and then over staying well beyond the time allowed in their permits.
Some of the overstayers go on to commit heinous crimes while here illegally, said the governor.
“In addition there’s a growing number of immigrants who enter on a visitors permit for the sole purpose of trying to establish legal residency here which is contrary to our immigration laws,” wrote Lolo.
And there is a category of illegal immigration made up of people whose sponsorship have terminated.
Lolo said these activities constitute an immediate threat to the security and well being of the territory.
He has therefore instructed the Attorney General to work with his office, the Immigration Board, Public Safety and Homeland Security to develop and execute policies to halt the influx of illegal aliens and the growing number of overstayers.
The governor set out the policies which he intended to become effective no later than September 1.
Said Lolo, “These policies are not intended to discourage visitors who want to visit our beautiful islands legally and leave at the end of their visit.
“They are intended to keep out criminals and those who wish to violate our laws thereby threatening the safety and security of our people including our visitors. ”
The entry requirements listed in the governor’s directive are:
Except as provided herein, all visitors to American Samoa must secure a 30-day permit before entering. Only the Attorney General or his designee is authorized to approve such permits.
The visitor or sponsor must provide the following:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Police clearance from country of origin
- Health clearance from country of origin
- Local clearance from High Court, Homeland Security, and LBJ Hospital,
- Roudtrip or onward ticket
- Sponsor
- Pay the required fee-$40
An application for permits must be submitted to the AG’s Office no later than 30 days before travel.
These requirements do not apply to U.S. nationals, U.S. citizens and legal resident of American Samoa seeking entry.
The requirements do not apply to citizens of Samoa seeking entry. Samoan citizens may continue to apply for 7 -day 14-day permits or 30-day permits. However, these permits must also be approved by the Attorney General or his designee.
The requirements do not apply to citizens of countries listed in the American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Countries.
Citizens of those countries are not required to secure an entry permit before entering American Samoa.
However they must contact the Attorney General’s Office to secure an OK to Board.
These requirements do not apply to immigrants entering American Samoa in transit to a final destination so long as the immigrant departs within 24 hours of arrival.
Immigrants entering on visitor permits are not eligible to apply for legal residency or Immigration ID.
A visitor entering American Samoa on a 30-day permit (including 7 and 14 day permits) for Samoa citizens is not qualified to apply for legal residency in American Samoa.
If a sponsor wishes to bring an immigrant to live in American Samoa, the sponsor must first apply to the Immigration Board and await approval of the Board before bringing such person to American Samoa
If a sponsor brings an immigrant on a 30-day permit, the sponsor must return the immigrant to his country of origin at the end of the 30 days regardless of whether the Board approves an application for residency of such immigrant while still in American Samoa.
Governor Lolo said the Departments of Homeland Security and Public Safety will assist the Immigration Office in ensuring that all visitors entering American Samoa leave at the end of the 30 day permit period, unless the permit is renewed. DPS and DHS will assist in enforcing laws against ship jumpers and other overstayers.
DHS and DPS will provide a list of personnel who will be made available to assist in these enforcement efforts.
DHS will identify resources, including vehicles and other equipment, to be made available to assist in enforcement efforts.
