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Only time will tell…
Is there a way to maintain culture for on-islanders and get easy access to citizenship for off-islanders?
There indeed is. The US territory Northern Marianas for instance grants birthright citizenship and at the same time a land ownership requirement. In this case of 25% Northern Marianas blood to receive land.
How likely it is to create such a system in American Samoa is questionable. However, it is not impossible.
As of now, the government of the United States doesn’t own land in American Samoa, as most property in American Samoa belongs to Samoan families. Anyone with less than 50% Samoan ancestry cannot is restricted by law to receive land.
Only future will tell if establishing a system similar to the one of the Northern Marianes could have a positive impact on off- and on-islanders.
This is the end of this exhibit, if you already know about the fight for citizenship Tuaua v. United States.
If not, check it out here: