Governor names nominee to Immigration Board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — One measure, already submitted by the Administration for Fono review and approval when lawmakers convene in July for the 2nd Regular Session of the 38th Legislature, is Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga’s appointment of Rep. Vailoata Eteuati Amituana’i to the Immigration Board.

According to the governor’s Apr. 27 nomination letter to Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and House Speaker Savali Talavou, Rep. Vailoata’s term on the board will expire in 2028.

Rep. Vailoata “possesses the requisite knowledge and understanding of the role of the Immigration Board in protecting our borders and preserving economic opportunities for the people of American Samoa,” the governor wrote to Fono leaders.

The governor urged both the Senate and House for full confirmation of Rep. Vailoata’s nomination.

Lemanu also says that Rep. Vailoata replaces former Rep. Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Moliga, whose term on the board expired in February this year.

As previously reported by Samoa News, Vaetasi was the only incumbent House member from the previous 37th Legislature that didn’t seek re-election in the 2020 Midterm election.

Vailoata, who has served in the House for several years, is the current chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee and member of other standing committees including the House Legal Affairs/ Judiciary Committee.