Following questions from the Senate concerning proposed changes to the application process for immigration entry permits, Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary and Legal Affairs Committee Wednesday morning to answer questions about the changes.
Seantors Faiivae Alex Godinet, Magalei Logovii and Muagututia Tauoa have asked for an explanation from the Attorney General on the reason why signatures of pulenuu or village mayors, the head matai or sao of families and district governor designees would no longer be required under the proposed amendments.
The law currently states that any person or group traveling to American Samoa for the purpose of visiting family, friends or for cultural or religious exchanges must provide approval of the matai or senior member of the family. For a religious exchange, approval is needed from the head of the church in American Samoa, the pulenuu, district governor or designated representative, round trip tickets and a valid passport that will not expire during the visit.
Under the proposed changes, the requirement for approval of the matai and pulenuu or district governor designee is being removed.
Instead, all that’s needed is a valid entry permit issued by the Attorney General, a valid passport or other travel document that will not expire during the visit and round trip tickets or proof of onward passage.
The proposed changes are to go into effect August 1, according to the announcement.
The Senate hearing is set for 8:30 am Wednesday and will be chaired by Senator Logoai Siaki.
Senate President Gaoteote Palaie says if it’s possible the committee should also ask for a representative from the Office of Samoan Affairs as the matter being discussed involves them.
It was explained yesterday that the Governor’s Office requires 72 hours prior notice for witnesses from the Executive Branch to testify at a Fono hearings. So the request for a representative from the Office of Samoan Affairs to attend the Wednesday hearing may not meet that policy.
