Radiolab Americanish
5 snips
Jun 23, 2023 
Julia Longoria, a reporter and new host of 'More Perfect,' dives into the complexities of U.S. citizenship as it relates to territories like Puerto Rico and American Samoa. She shares insights from her journey in covering landmark Supreme Court cases and highlights the unique identity challenges faced by American Samoans. Through engaging narratives, Julia explores community perspectives on citizenship, tradition, and belonging, shedding light on the intricate social and legal dynamics within these territories.
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Isabel González's Arrival
- Isabel González, a pregnant Puerto Rican woman, traveled to New York City in 1903.
- Arriving at Ellis Island, she asserted her American citizenship, challenging U.S. authorities.
The Insular Cases
- The Insular Cases arose from questions about the status of newly acquired U.S. territories.
- The Supreme Court's ambiguous ruling on Puerto Rico's status deemed it "foreign to the United States in a domestic sense."
American Samoa's Unique Status
- American Samoa is the only U.S. territory where birthright citizenship is not granted.
- Those born there are U.S. nationals but must apply for citizenship through a costly and complex process.
