The Senate Judiciary Committee held a confirmation hearing for five of the 7 members nominated by Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula to the Immigration Board. They are Tuiteleleapaa Filoalii Ioane Lamatia, Fa’alaga Su’e, Sina Ameperosa Samuelu, Taufetee Tanielu Taufetee and Tago Tafaevalu Aumoeualogo.
It was announced that one of the nominees, Satele Lili’o Ali’ita’i did not accept the nomination and his name had been withdrawn The other board member Anthony Aetonu was reported to be off island.
Committee Chairman Atualevao Asifoa said there has been an overwhelming number of foreigners coming into the territory particularly from Asian countries. He asked the nominees if there were aware of this and how they would recommend bringing the number under control.
Tuiteleleapaga responded that he was well aware of the concern that the senator raised and said they would look at existing laws and see what could be done to reduce the number of outsiders entering the territory.
Senator Togiola Tulafono asked each of the nominees if they are sponsoring any foreigners. 
Tuiteleleapaga said he was sponsoring a relative from Samoa but not Asians. he used to sponsor Asians when he was operating a business but not anymore.
Samuelu said she used to sponsor a cousin from Samoa who has left the territory and she isn’t sponsoring anyone at this time.
Tago replied that he is not sponsoring anyone, while Taufetee said he is sponsoring two people.
Togiola asked the nominees for their reaction on a recommendation to suspend the special provision which has allowed many outsiders to work in the territory. He said this was the biggest concern to the Senate. Many jobs which do not require special skills, jobs that were done by locals are now occupied by outsiders because of the special provision.
Taufetee agreed with Togiola’s comments and said they intended to work together on a solution.
Senator Magalei Logovii pointed out that previous board members had complained about not getting any stipends. Their recommendation was for the board to raise the immigration bonds and fees and use some of that revenue for stipends.
The Senate has decided to hold off on a confirmation vote for the five nominees until a later date.
