WASHINGTON Representative Pete A. Tenorio is set to propose a series of constructive recommendations in the U.S. Senate oversight hearing on the CNMI, according to a media release from his office.
“Section 503 of the Covenant clearly allows the Congress to extend the Immigration and Nationality Act to the CNMI if it so chooses,” Tenorio said.
“However, Section 701 obligates Congress legally and morally to help us develop a stable economy. Within these two sections of the Covenant I believe that there is ample room for Congress to extend to us, as part of its immigration framework, tools we need to continue building an economy.”
Tenorio’s testimony outlines seven exemptions to U.S. immigration policy that he strongly feels must be provided within a federal immigration framework to allow the CNMI to continue its economic recovery efforts.
Tenorio maintains that the seven may not be everything that is needed, but rather a starting point for further discussion. The seven are:
1. A visa waiver program similar yet distinct from Guam that will support the Marianas Visitors Authority’s long-term plans
2. An exemption from existing caps for long-term and short-term foreign professional workers which is needed to help supply doctors and nurses at CHC and the various private clinics
3. Special exemptions and processing for existing and future foreign investors
4. A specifically and carefully designed guest worker program to meet the CNMI’s workforce requirements
5. Special foreign student visa allowances
6. Recognition and maintenance of the memorandum of understanding regarding refugee and asylum obligations of the U.S.
7. Ensure indigenous population protections from social and political alienation from immigrants
“I believe that there is always room for improvement, and I am not particularly satisfied in all instances with how the immigration and minimum wage provisions of the Covenant have been utilized. Clearly priority for hiring should have always been with our citizens, but we developed a system that favored nonresident workers to the deterrent of our own local workers. Now our people are leaving the CNMI because of the bad times we are having and the lack of opportunities for meaningful employment,” Tenorio said.
“I have always stated that the CNMI should have a ‘unified position’ on issues before Congress, but in this one instance I don’t feel that adopting the ‘no modification’ position of the administration truly represents the wishes of the our people. I am hearing a clear message that before any decision is made, more consultation and discussion is required. At this point in time I would rather wait to see not only what Congress has to say but what our people have to say. I will be accompanying Allen Stayman and Josh Johnson when they visit the CNMI later this month and I am interested in the outcomes of the various forums and discussions that are being held throughout the CNMI. From these gatherings I believe that we all will have a much greater understanding and appreciation of just what a ‘federal takeover’ is all about, and how it will ultimately affect our status as a commonwealth under the Covenant relationship with the U.S.”