Appeal filed in landmark case arguing that the constitutional right of birthright citizenship extends throughout the territorial limits of the United States

Leneuoti Tuaua is a proud American, born in American Samoa, a U.S. territory since 1900.  He is not recognized as a U.S. citizen, though, because a federal statute labels people born in American Samoa “nationals, but not citizens, of the United States.”  In Tuaua v. United States, he and others born in American Samoa seek recognition that the path to citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution – birth within the United States – cannot be redefined by Congress to exclude people born in U.S. territories.

On the 50^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, more than 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories – a population greater than that of nearly half the states – are still waiting to realize the dream.

As the U.S. Senate considers legislation to put the question of citizenship up for a vote in American Samoa, attorneys Charles V. Ala'ilima and Neil Weare highlighted the significant constitutional concerns it raises in light of the ongoing federal case Tuaua v United States.

Think there is a right to citizenship in U.S. territories?  If a D.C. District Court is right, the Constitution’s guarantee of citizenship to people “born . . . in the United States” does not apply to U.S. territories.

Rachel Maddow took a few minutes yesterday to raise awareness about American Samoa, one of five territories that, along with the 50 states and District of Columbia, are part of the United States.  Thanks Rachel!

Please join us on Thursday, May 16th from 5:30-8pm at Club Denial for a fundraiser supporting We the People Project and equal rights for Guam.