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OSHA Outreach

School Lunch Program management and drivers, along with off island engineer and trainer, Dennis Fisher

School Lunch Program management and drivers in this group photo on Wednesday, along with off island engineer and trainer, Dennis Fisher, at the OMV Tafuna compound, where drivers underwent a refres

Trump order discriminates against American Samoa born US military

 US Vice President Mike Pence greeting army reserves in American Samoa

The US military has begun discriminating against service men and women born in American Samoa, a US lawyer has said.

Historically American Samoan born US nationals and US citizens were treated equally by the military according to the Seattle-based attorney, Leiataua Charles Ala'ilima.

Leiataua said the US armed services are a primary source of employment and income for young people in American Samoa which is known for having the highest enlistment rate of any state or territory.

He said this is set to change.

"The Trump administration has just issued an order saying, okay all of you American Samoan born who are not US citizens will lose your job as officers if you don't get US citizenship, which they then have to apply for and go through the process of naturalization."

Naturalisation takes around eight months and has a fee of US$680. Applicants must pass English, US History and Government tests and take the Oath of Allegiance.

American Samoans are born with their allegiance to the United States according to Leiataua.

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