United States Territories and the Injustice They Face

The United States of America has claimed several offshore territories since the 1890’s, forcing them to abide by the Congressional law’s and serve as space for the United States government to place military weapons and bases. The American island territories are Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands. Although America claims these territories, they have no voting rights or officials in political office, some territories, such as Samoa, aren’t even granted automatic American citizenship.  

More than 4 million people live in U.S. territories, 98 percent of the are racial or ethnic minorities. America’s island territories aren’t allowed to vote due to Supreme Court decision in the early 20th century that they belonged to the United States but were technically not considered a part of it. The Court’s decision also found the territories were inhabited by “alien races” that couldn’t understand Anglo-Saxon laws, so the U.S. Constitution doesn’t have to apply.  

Many of the nation fails to recognize the residents of these islands and treats them as though they are foreigner’s or immigrants. News reporters claimed that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is “the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants,” when her parents simply moved from one American territory to another. Another example of failure of recognition was when an American Samoan delegate Eni Faleomavaega was introduced in Congress as a delegate from American Somalia.  

Although they aren’t treated as such, these island territories deserve much more praise for their service throughout countless wars fighting for America. Guam is currently occupied by over a quarter of Navy and Air Force base’s; however, the residents have no say in the elections for their director and chief. As of 2014, the Guamanian Census reported at least 1 in 8 adults are veterans, which is one of the highest number of citizens in all U.S. states and territories. Due to the lack of voting rights, these veterans are extremely underserved, ranking last out of all states and territories on per capita medical care spending. Guam also has little to no access to PTSD and Mental Health Treatment facilities for veterans, with the nearest being over 3,000 miles away in Hawaii. 

The residents of Guam are still attempting to gain voting rights, however during every presidential election Guam holds a straw poll, with a registered voter turnout of 67%. This poll has a larger turnout than the states, having only a 61.8% voter number.  

American Samoa not only has no voting rights but lacks automatic American citizenship as well. The U.S. Congress grants American citizenship to everyone on American land, except Samoa. The passports of Samoan citizens read, “The bearer is a United States National and not a United States Citizen,” even though they are part of American land. This also makes little sense due to Samoa having the top-ranking U.S. Army Recruiting Station. 

American territories are vital parts of the United States, housing military facilities and forces, however, they have no voting rights, no politicians in office granting them a voice, and little to no basic American rights. These decisions made by the Congress are outdated and lack respect that should be granted to every individual who is born and raised on American land.