Speech #1040274582

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to clarify the treatment of American Samoans who are nationals but not citizens of the United States under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 contained in H.R. 3610. It is my understanding that the new act does not alter the status or rights of noncitizen nationals. I am advised that the intent of the new act is to apply the existing statutory definition of alien as set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act [INA]. 8 U.S.C. �1101(a)(3). Under the INA. noncitizen nationals of the United States are not considered aliens. and I am advised that they are not considered aliens under the new act. In some instances. the new act expressly incorporates and applies the existing statutory definition of alien contained in the INA. In other instances. the new act amends existing law in a manner which automatically invokes the existing INA definition of alien. Title I of the new act provides for improvement of border control. facilitation of legal