American Samoa's Attorney General, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, has been asked by the governor to develop policies and protocols around "denied entry" to foreign diplomats and those seeking political asylum or entry under humanitarian reasons.
Governor's Lolo Matalasi Moliga said such a policy should be developed alongside his office and the local departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Port Administration and Public Safety.
American Samoa Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale Photo: RNZ/ Monica Miller
In a letter, the governor informed Talauega that it was apparent that American Samoa did not have any such policy in place to safeguard the territory.
Lolo wanted Talauega to come up with clear procedures to ensure that incidents were handled with dignity and respect regarding people who found themselves on their shores.
American Samoa is the only US jurisdiction which controls its own borders, both immigration and customs.