The House of Representatives in American Samoa has unanimously approved a bill which controls the ability of corporations to sponsor foreign nationals.
The bill requires that corporations show proof of timely payment of local taxes and government fees, and in the case of new corporations they must submit a business plan.
Only corporations certified by the Attorney general can sponsor aliens.
Corporations can no longer sponsor someone who has a control or interest in that corporation .
In addition the bill put a stop to the transfer of sponsorships.
The legislation is intended to close a loophole which currently allows a corporation to be formed and become wholly owned and operated by a foreign national resident in the territory.
That corporation can then sponsor its owner or operator and any other aliens .
