Controversy in Whittier: American Samoan Citizenship and Voting Rights
Whittier, Alaska, is a unique town nestled between glacier-packed mountains and Prince William Sound, accessible only through a single road shared by vehicles and trains. The town's population of around 260 residents mostly resides in a 14-story condo building. Despite its small size and isolation, Whittier finds itself at the center of a political controversy regarding citizenship and voter fraud claims.
Alaska prosecutors have brought felony charges against 11 residents of Whittier, most of whom are related, for allegedly falsely claiming U.S. citizenship when registering or attempting to vote. These individuals were born in American Samoa, a U.S. territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship by birth. American Samoans are considered "U.S. nationals," with certain rights and obligations but without full citizenship status.
The confusion surrounding American Samoan citizenship extends beyond Whittier. In Oregon, nearly 200 American Samoan residents were inadvertently registered to vote under the state's motor-voter law. Similarly, in Hawaii, a resident born in American Samoa ran for the state Legislature before discovering she was not eligible to hold public office or vote in U.S. elections. These cases highlight the complexities of American Samoan citizenship and voting rights.
The legal battle in Whittier began when Tupe Smith, a resident volunteering at a local school, ran for a seat on the regional school board. After winning the election, she was arrested for allegedly falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms. The case has sparked debate over the intent behind the residents' actions and the implications of their citizenship status.
American Samoa's unique status as a U.S. territory dates back to the 19th century, when the archipelago was divided between the U.S. and European powers. While residents of other U.S. territories were granted birthright citizenship, American Samoans were not. Efforts to extend automatic citizenship to American Samoans have faced resistance, with concerns about preserving the territory's customs and land laws.
Despite the legal challenges and confusion surrounding American Samoan citizenship, advocates continue to push for equal rights for American Samoans living in the states. The debate over citizenship and voting rights for American Samoans reflects broader issues of identity, belonging, and representation in the U.S. political landscape.