Political Status
American Samoa became a U.S. territory by deed of cession, starting in 1900. ... Unlike citizens of other U.S. territories who are U.S. citizens, American Samoans are U.S. nationals. However, neither citizens nor nationals of U.S. territories vote in Federal elections and pay Federal taxes.
Do people in American Samoa have US citizenship?
American Samoa is the only unincorporated territory of the United States where the inhabitants are not American citizens at birth.
What rights do American Samoans have?
Among members of our nation, American Samoans truly stand alone: Persons born in other U.S. territories (for example, Puerto Rico) are citizens at birth and can vote in U.S., state, and local elections upon moving to one of the 50 states.
