The Governor of American Samoa, Togiola Tulafono says the government of independent Samoa is well within its rights to create its own immigration policies.
Togiola's comments come after Samoa's cabinet decided American Samoans would need a permit and passport to visit there from May.
Togiola says that from his perspective, the measure is long overdue.
Togiola says the new policy by Samoa will be a blessing for the American Samoan economy.
He said American Samoans may now spend their own money at home, staying in hotels, spending time on beaches, and enjoying festivals.
