Are people who live in Guam US citizens? This is a question that often arises, especially among those unfamiliar with the unique political status of Guam. To answer this, it’s important to delve into the history and legal framework surrounding the status of residents in this U.S. territory.
Guam, an island in the Western Pacific Ocean, has been under U.S. control since 1898, when it was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War. The people of Guam, known as Chamorros, have lived on the island for thousands of years. Despite the long history of U.S. influence, the status of residents as U.S. citizens has evolved over time.
In 1950, the Organic Act of Guam was enacted, granting the island’s residents certain rights and responsibilities, such as the right to elect their own officials and participate in local governance. However, the act did not make them U.S. citizens by birthright. Instead, residents were designated as “U.S. citizens” and had the right to travel to the United States without a visa.
It wasn’t until 1952 that the U.S. citizenship status of Guam residents was fully addressed. The Guam Organic Act of 1950 was amended, granting residents birthright citizenship. This means that anyone born on Guam is automatically a U.S. citizen, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status.
Despite this legal change, the political status of Guam remains unique. The island is an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means it is not part of the United States proper and does not have voting representation in Congress. Guam residents do not have the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections and do not pay federal income tax.
In conclusion, are people who live in Guam US citizens? Yes, they are. The residents of Guam have been granted birthright citizenship, making them full-fledged U.S. citizens. However, the political status of Guam as an unincorporated territory means that its residents do not have the same rights and privileges as those living in the 50 states. This unique status has sparked debates on the future of Guam and its relationship with the United States.
