Ads by Google Ads by Google

Governor clarifies “short amnesty” in regard to overstayers in the territory

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Provisions of the Dec. 8th declaration state that all foreigners “present in the territory as of today that are without lawful status and considered an ‘overstayer’, will qualify to apply for amnesty upon receiving a vaccination and presenting confirmation” of the immunization shots from DoH.

During the Dec. 16th cabinet meeting, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga clarified that while the media got it right, there are others in the community that seem to be ’twisting’ the directive.

Lolo said foreigners with felony convictions do not qualify for this “short amnesty” which is valid for 30-days. At Monday’s cabinet meeting, Lolo asked cabinet members for their help in making sure the public clearly understands the “short amnesty” policy and for overstayers to take advantage of this opportunity to get their immigration status legal in American Samoa.

Once the 30 days expires, Lolo said the government will move forward to enforce local law and policy pertaining to overstayers.

Samoa News understands the 30 days began with the Dec. 8th emergency declaration, in which the short amnesty was first announced. This means the last day is Jan. 8, 2020.