Title 48 — Territories and Insular PossessionsRelease 119-73
§1489 Loss of title of United States to lands in territories through adverse possession or prescription forbidden
Title 48 › Chapter CHAPTER 10— - TERRITORIAL PROVISIONS OF A GENERAL NATURE › § 1489
Summary
Starting March 27, 1934, the United States cannot lose ownership of land in its territories, possessions, or any place under its control just because someone used or occupied it for a long time. Such land can only be transferred out by a formal conveyance from the United States.
Full Legal Text
Title 48, §1489
Territories and Insular Possessions — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
On and after March 27, 1934, no prescription or statute of limitations shall run, or continue to run, against the title of the United States to lands in any territory or possession or place or territory under the jurisdiction or control of the United States; and no title to any such lands of the United States or any right therein shall be acquired by adverse possession or prescription, or otherwise than by conveyance from the United States.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification Reference to Philippine Islands omitted in view of independence of Philippines proclaimed by President of United States in Proc. No. 2695, set out under section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
48 U.S.C. § 1489
Title 48 — Territories and Insular Possessions
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73