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H.R. 1208

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
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.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 25, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
Congress
116th (2019–2021)
Introduced
February 13, 2019
Sponsor
Del. Aumua Amata RadewagenR
Cosponsors (2)
1D 1R
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Summary

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This bill establishes that a U.S. national who otherwise qualifies may become a citizen upon establishing residence and physical presence in a U.S. outlying possession (i.e. America Samoa and Swains Island). Currently, U.S. nationals must become a resident of a state to qualify for naturalization. Individuals born in an outlying possession are U.S. nationals but do not automatically acquire citizenship through birth in an outlying possession. The bill also waives certain naturalization requirements, including those related to English language proficiency and participation in a public ceremony, for individuals who have continuously resided in an outlying possession or state from birth to the approval of a naturalization application. The Department of Interior may issue a grant to America Samoa for holding a referendum on whether those born or residing in America Samoa should be declared U.S. citizens.

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