I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with our U.S. Congresswoman, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, on the plan to stabilize the NMI workforce.
I am also very concerned about the continued reduction in the number of people living on our islands. I understand that current estimates are 30,000 to 40,000 people in the CNMI. The low population and the workforce are related and it affects our economy.
The smaller the population, the less jobs available and the smaller the workforce will be. Unfortunately, the less economic opportunities, the more inclined the younger generation will be to leave in search of a good job and the promise of a good future. We need good population numbers, especially now that our mainstay, tourism, is no longer what it used to be.
It is my estimate that for the CNMI to have a stable and self-sustaining economy, the population should be a minimum of 75,000. As for the workforce that Congresswoman King-Hinds is addressing, I would add that we work towards the following:
1) Allow any non-U.S. citizen currently on island for more than five years and in good standing to obtain an NMI only “Green Card.”
2) This NMI only “Green Card” shall be permanent for the CNMI.
3) After five years in the CNMI, the NMI “Green Card” can be converted to the U.S. Green Card.
4) When the conversion is granted, the recipient will be required to remain in the CNMI for a minimum of three years. Upon completion of the required eight-year period, the holder of the U.S. Green Card can move to anywhere in the U.S. or its other territories. Some will undoubtedly decide to remain in the CNMI.
What this proposal will do is give status to everyone. With permanent status, one can now make plans that are more permanent and in return this will generate economic activities. It will certainly help stabilize the population numbers and make many things more affordable.
The U.S. Federal Government controls our immigration policies. The unfortunate situation is that some policies are most appropriate for the U.S. Mainland. Our island conditions are completely different. This is an item that the U.S. Federal Government must take into consideration. The present immigration policies are stifling growth and are hurting everyone.
If the U.S. Federal Government is to insist on one policy for everyone, then it needs to address the negative aspects. The U.S. Federal Government must then provide compensation to equal the negative impacts of its policy.
There are many other items that are affecting our economy. The two above, workforce and the decrease in population are the most pressing at this time and need to be addressed.
Sincerely,
EFRAIN F. CAMACHO
Navy Hill, Saipan
