US Federal House Bill HB5976

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/7/25
• Refer: 11/7/25

Caption

To protect collective self-determination and individual rights under Federal statutes conferring nationality on persons born and residing in the territory of American Samoa, to enable subsequent elective United States citizenship upon application of such persons residing in a State or in a territory subject to sections 301 through 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.

Summary

HB5976 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to change how U.S. non-citizen nationals can obtain passports and to create an elective pathway to U.S. citizenship for certain people who are nationals but not citizens. The bill is aimed primarily at persons born and residing in American Samoa, and it states that such individuals may, upon written request, receive a passport identifying them as both a national and a citizen of the United States if they reside in a State or in a territory covered by INA sections 301 through 308. In effect, the bill preserves the existing status of U.S. non-citizen nationals while allowing an affirmative choice to be recognized as a citizen in specified circumstances. The bill also makes conforming changes to the INA by renaming section 341 as a procedure for passports for U.S. non-citizen nationals and updating the table of contents accordingly. In addition, it repeals section 325 of the INA, which would remove that provision from federal immigration law. Overall, the measure would alter federal nationality and passport procedures, with particular significance for American Samoans and other U.S. nationals who are not automatically citizens. The general sentiment reflected in the bill text is protective and rights-oriented, emphasizing collective self-determination and individual choice rather than automatic reclassification. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of broader legislative support or opposition in the available materials. The framing suggests an effort to address a longstanding nationality issue in a way that is sensitive to local identity and personal autonomy. The main point of contention likely concerns the balance between preserving American Samoan self-determination and expanding access to U.S. citizenship. Supporters would likely view the bill as giving affected individuals a voluntary path to citizenship and clearer passport recognition, while critics may worry about federal intrusion into territorial status questions or the implications of changing nationality rules. The bill’s focus on written election and residency conditions suggests an attempt to limit the change to those who affirmatively seek citizenship, which may be intended to reduce opposition from self-determination advocates.

Impact

The bill would amend federal immigration law, specifically section 341 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to authorize the Secretary of State to issue a passport identifying an applicant as a U.S. national and citizen upon the applicant’s written request, if the person is a national but not a citizen and resides in a State or qualifying territory. It would also rename the statutory heading for section 341 and update the INA table of contents, while repealing section 325 of the INA. These changes would directly affect U.S. non-citizen nationals, especially persons connected to American Samoa, and would modify federal passport and nationality procedures.

Sentiment

The bill’s stated purpose and structure suggest a generally supportive, rights-expanding sentiment, with an emphasis on protecting both collective self-determination and individual choice. However, because no committee debate or vote data are provided, there is no documented legislative sentiment beyond the bill’s own framing. The measure appears designed to be permissive rather than mandatory, which may reflect an effort to balance competing views on citizenship and territorial identity.

Contention

The likely central contention is whether Congress should create an elective citizenship pathway for U.S. nationals from American Samoa and similar territories, or instead leave nationality status unchanged to preserve territorial self-determination. Supporters are likely to emphasize individual rights, passport access, and the ability to choose citizenship, while opponents may argue that the change could undermine local preferences or alter the legal status of American Samoans without sufficient territorial consent. The repeal of section 325 and the reclassification of passport procedures may also draw scrutiny from those concerned about unintended effects on immigration and nationality law.