 not always an American citizen just because you're born in America. Welcome to American Samoa, the only territory or state where you're born a U.S. national, not a citizen. This means American Samoans can't vote, hold office, or even take certain jobs like police. Why? Partly, you guessed it, racism. In the 1930s, the U.S. Navy, which ruled Samoa, and many politicians claimed American Samoans weren't ready for citizenship. Seriously. On the flip side though, many American Samoans worried their distinct culture could be further marred by colonialism if citizenship were introduced. So, no citizenship for American Samoans. Unless you relocate to the mainland, pass a test, pay a hefty fee, and pledge allegiance to the country you were already born in.