The main plaintiff in the US citizenship case is not ready to give a comment about the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday which let stand an earlier ruling that American Samoans are not entitled to automatic US citizenship.
Leneuaoti Tuaau says a statement will be issued at a later time.
The attorney who has led the fight for the plaintiffs in Tuaua vs the Unites States Government, Neil Weare, has expressed disappointment with the ruling.
He said, “Twice in the last week the Supreme Court has recognized the extremely broad powers the federal government has over U.S. territories.
“It’s disappointing that the Court decided not to resolve whether those who are subject to this broad federal power have a right to citizenship.”
There was no immediate reaction from local attorney Charles Alailima who also fought the plaintiffs’ quest for automatic citizenship for people born in American Samoa.
Meanwhile, a long time staffer of former Congresswoman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, and now an assistant to Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Aoelua Solomona, said he’s pleased that the justices of the Supreme Court rejected “this ridiculous lawsuit.”
He said in doing so the Supreme Court of the United States, “rightfully agreed with the majority of the people of American Samoa (US Nationals) that this is a matter for the people of American Samoa to decide and NOT by a court.”
Aoelua continues, “I hope this teaches Neil Weare, the real instigator in this matter, and all other non American Samoans who joined him a lesson to not stick their noses where they don’t belong and stay out of the business of American Samoa.
“ I congratulate former Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin who took the initial lead by filing a brief on behalf of himself and the people of American Samoa against… also major kudos to Attorney Michael Williams and his law firm Kirkland & Ellis who agreed with Faleomavaega’s position and offered to work with Faleomavaega pro bono on this matter.”
