To protect collective self-determination and individual rights under Federal statutes conferring nationality on persons born and residing in the territory of American Samoa, to enable subsequent elective United States citizenship upon application of such persons residing in a State or in a territory subject to sections 301 through 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.

# HR 5976 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change citizenship rules for people born in American Samoa. Currently, people born there are U.S. nationals but not automatically U.S. citizens—a unique status that requires them to go through additional steps to become citizens if they move to the mainland U.S. or other U.S. territories. This bill would allow American Samoans to become U.S. citizens by application once they relocate to a U.S.

state or certain U.S. territories, making it easier for them to gain full citizenship status. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects American Samoans and their descendants. American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific with its own government and cultural traditions. Currently, about 55,000 people live there, and many more American Samoans live on the mainland U.S. The bill aims to balance these individuals' desire for U.S. citizenship while respecting American Samoa's collective self-determination and ability to control its own citizenship rules. **Current Status:** HR 5976 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. It was introduced by Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, the delegate from American Samoa, in the 119th Congress.