Both the House and Senate have approved a House Concurrent Resolution which gives the Fono’s support to efforts by Governor Lolo Moliga and Congresswoman Aumua Amata to seek a reversal of the recent ruling by the US Federal District Court of Utah over the citizenship issue.
The court ruled in the Fitisemanu vs United States case that anyone born in American Samoa is automatically a US citizen. The ruling however has been stayed pending appeal.
The concurrent resolution, introduced by House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, calls the ruling erroneous and endorses efforts by the governor and the congresswoman to appeal the decision.
The House didn’t call a hearing before approving the resolution by unanimous vote yesterday.
The Senate had Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale testifying on the measure this morning before approving it by unanimous vote at its Friday session.
In a press release issued today, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said she appreciates “decisive and unanimous action by the Fono through their Concurrent Resolution, which shows the nation that the strong support of American Samoa’s elected officials is behind the right of self-determination on the citizenship question and regard for the traditions of Fa’a Samoa.”
She stated, “This Resolution is an important statement by our Fono that establishes the public position of the Territory.
“It helps clarify that the people of American Samoa, as reflected in their elected officials across the board, deeply value our rights in relationship with the United States. We’re so proud to be a part of the United States, and our people have a rich tradition of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. We also value our distinctive and ancient culture, and we have the right of self-determination to safeguard that culture. The Fono has formally expressed those sentiments in this Resolution.”
The Congresswoman cites an earlier ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court in the Tuala vs United States case that it would be more than “impractical and anomalous…” “to impose citizenship by judicial fiat—where doing so requires us to override the democratic prerogatives of the American Samoan people themselves.” Indeed, it would be a violative unilateral action by the courts to usurp the tri-lateral rights of the leaders in American Samoa, the U.S. Congress and the President on such an important issue.
“I want to thank every member of the Fono, President of the Senate Gaoteote P. Tofau and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale,” said Aumua Amata. “Thank you to Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga for his leadership throughout this entire case, and Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, and Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale for his work on this effort.”
