116 HR 3482 IH: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain requirements for naturalization for American Samoan United States nationals to become United States citizens, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2019-06-25 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3482IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 25, 2019Mrs. Radewagen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain requirements for naturalization for American Samoan United States nationals to become United States citizens, and for other purposes.

1.

Waiver of certain naturalization requirements for American Samoan United States nationals to become United States citizens

(a)

Findings

The Congress finds the following: (1)Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, persons born in the United States territory of American Samoa are nationals of the United States, but not citizens, at birth. (2)The term national of the United States is defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act to include persons who, though not citizens of the United States, owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (3)A large number of American Samoans who are United States nationals have joined the United States Armed Forces and fought for the United States. (4)However, in order for American Samoans who are United States nationals to become United States citizens, they must follow the same procedure as aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. This procedure requires, among other steps, an application, fingerprinting, an interview, an English language and civics examination, and participation in an oath ceremony. The procedure may take years to complete. (5)Given that American Samoa’s education system is structured to closely resemble that of public schools in the United States, that courses on United States history, civics, and government are thoroughly taught, that English is the language of public school instruction, and that United States nationals by definition owe permanent allegiance to the United States, it is in the national interest that United States nationals be allowed to become United States citizens by more expeditious means. (b)

Naturalization of certain residents of American Samoa

Section 325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1436) is amended to read as follows:

325.

Nationals but not citizens of the United States; residence within outlying possessions

(a)

Eligibility for naturalization

A person not a citizen who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, and who is otherwise qualified, may— (1)if the person becomes a resident of any State, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable requirements of this title, except that in applications for naturalization filed under the provisions of this section, residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of this title shall include residence and physical presence within any of the outlying possessions of the United States; or (2)if the person has continuously resided in any State or outlying possession of the United States from birth to the date of approval of the application, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable requirements of this title other than sections 312 and 337(a) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 316(a). (b)

Jurisdiction

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall provide that applications, interviews, filings, oaths, ceremonies, or other proceedings under this title, to the extent applicable, are available in an outlying possession of the United States with respect to— (A)any applicant for naturalization under subsection (a)(2); (B)any applicant for naturalization under section 328 or 329 who is a resident of an outlying possession of the United States; or (C)any child described in section 322(a)(5)(B) for whom an application is made under section 322. (2)

Limitation

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including sections 310(c) and 336(b), no court shall have jurisdiction over any application for naturalization filed by or on behalf of a resident of an outlying possession of the United States. (c)

Construction

In determining eligibility for naturalization under subsection (a)(2)— (1)absence from any State or outlying possession of the United States for a continuous period of more than 180 days shall break the continuity of such residence, unless the person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security that the person did not abandon such person’s residence during such period; (2)in conducting the investigation and examination of the person under sections 332(a) and 335, the Secretary of Homeland Security may in the discretion of the Secretary waive a personal interview of the person; and (3)the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the discretion of the Secretary, may impose a reduced fee for an application for naturalization under such subsection compared to other applications for naturalization, taking into account the relative costs of processing an application for naturalization under such subsection.

. (c)

Children residing in American Samoa

Section 322(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1433(a)(5)) is amended to read as follows: (5)The child— (A)is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status; or (B)is present and resides in an outlying possession of the United States.

2.

Sense of Congress regarding political status education in American Samoa

It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Interior may provide technical assistance to the Government of American Samoa under section 601(a) of the Act entitled An Act to authorize appropriations for certain insular areas of the United States, and for other purposes, approved December 24, 1980 (48 U.S.C. 1469d(a)), for public education regarding political status options only if the political status options are consistent with the Constitution of the United States.