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Bill

HR 5976

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Amata Radewagen

HR 5976 allows American Samoans to apply for U.S. citizenship, clarifying their rights and facilitating passport access, enhancing their legal status and identity.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5976

Summary of HR 5976

Purpose and Intent

HR 5976 aims to protect the collective self-determination and individual rights of persons born and residing in American Samoa. The bill seeks to amend federal statutes to facilitate the process by which these individuals can obtain United States citizenship upon application. This legislation recognizes the unique status of American Samoans and aims to clarify their rights under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act:

  1. Amendment to Section 341(b):

    • The bill modifies the existing provisions regarding individuals who claim to be nationals but not citizens of the United States.
    • It allows these individuals to apply for a United States passport through the Secretary of State.
    • Upon satisfactory proof of their national status, applicants can receive:
      • A passport identifying them as a national but not a citizen.
      • Alternatively, if they reside in a State or territory subject to sections 301 through 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, they may request a passport identifying them as both a national and a citizen of the United States.

  2. Striking and Replacing Section Header:

    • The bill also includes a technical amendment that involves striking the current section header of Section 341 and replacing it with a new designation, although the specific new header is not detailed in the provided text.

Affected Parties

  • American Samoans: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals born and residing in American Samoa, who currently hold a unique status as U.S. nationals without citizenship.
  • U.S. Government: The bill will require the Secretary of State to implement new procedures for processing passport applications from these individuals.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on November 7, 2025.
  • Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 5976 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Conclusion

HR 5976 represents a significant step towards clarifying and enhancing the rights of American Samoans regarding their nationality and citizenship status. By enabling a pathway to U.S. citizenship through the application process, the bill addresses longstanding issues related to the legal status of individuals from this territory. The outcome of this legislation could have profound implications for the identity and rights of American Samoans in the context of U.S. law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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