Court Affirms American Samoans' Status as Noncitizen Nationals

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has affirmed that individuals born in American Samoa are considered noncitizen nationals, not U.S. citizens. This ruling reinforces the unique legal status of American Samoans, who are U.S. nationals by birth but do not automatically receive citizenship. The decision has significant implications for the rights and privileges of American Samoans, particularly concerning voting rights and eligibility for certain government benefits.