But I was compelled to do so when I read Ms. Leila Fleming Aldan Staffer of Kagman letter to the editor dated November 3, 2010 at the Marianas Variety. At some point foreign workers are fortunate enough in spending more time working in the island than in other country that offers the type of job. Unfortunately, we are now being used in a political campaign in which some are afraid that given us the chance to become a permanent residence, we have the number of voters to install a chosen candidate we wanted to, sad to say, some group are now using us in their political campaign.
Fortunate, in the sense that we were given a chance to work and earn money for our living in this beautiful and friendly island of Saipan, Tinian and Rota. From day zero when the CNMI started to accept foreign workers or guest worker in the island, the main objective was to augment the shortage of local workforce while in the process of developing its infrastructures and other income generating industries such as; Hotels and Garments Factories. Augmentation in the field of labor force is the primary reason why we were hired more than ten or twenty years ago and still going on for a decade. They repeatedly said that foreign workers in the CNMI is just a foreign workers or if it is possible should only be given an immigration status similar to that negotiated for citizens of Freely Associated States. Foreign workers in the island is now perplexed as time goes by and by, the exodus of foreign workers leaving the island is now about to begin. Their hope is touted by a politician who is against granting foreign workers of either of the five recommendations of the department of the interior (DOI).
In times of economic hardship, a lot of foreign workers are hanging tight and vowed not to give-up until such time that the long wait is over in favor of the DOI recommendation. Many are patiently waiting for the outcome of the 5 recommendations. An ad such as rejecting the DOI recommendations connotes negative hope for the many that are about to give-up and beg goodbye to the place they called home for a decade.
Unfortunate, in the sense that small group of Filipino-Americans is now blatantly using the very word “Filipino Community” that purportedly supports a politician for their own personal gain. Filipino community cannot cast their vote in this congressional election, but Filipino-American can, they should identify and recognized themselves to where they are now, after turning their back one hundred eighty degrees from the original flag they belong to another flag they are now serving for honesty and good governance in this congressional election.
Conflicting views aired and publicized in a deferent angle are maligning the interest of the voters. TV ads aired that a certain candidate is against the five recommendation of the department of the interior whereas the print ads says; Filipino community who comprises the biggest number of foreign workers is according to them are supporting that politician who based on their judgment can change the course of the future for everyone residing the CNMI, including Filipinos. It should be including foreign workers as a whole. Why mention a particular community in a political propaganda if they cannot voice out their opinion in the ballot? When you turned around at one hundred eighty degrees, you can no longer see those that are behind you, why speak for themselves or in their behalf. They should be using the right tools for the right job they are into otherwise they are fixing or promoting a hollow or empty hope, a waste of time and money.
But wait, President Obama and his predecessor made it clear that the current system cannot continue, that families should not be divided and compassionate and comprehensive immigration reform is a priority of his administration. His effort to solve significant process of improvements to reduce the threat of removal for certain individuals present in the United States with or without authorization and or as in the case of the CNMI that is considered as part of the United States family, therefore, President Obama’s comprehensive immigration reform is also applicable here.
He said and I quote,
“Our task then is to make our national laws actually work – to shape a system that reflects our values as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Why should we punish people who are just trying to earn a living? Moreover, it would tear at the very fabric of this nation – because immigrants who are here illegally are now intricately woven into that fabric. Many have children who are American citizens. Some are children themselves, brought here by their parents at a very young age, growing up as American kids, only to discover their illegal status when they apply for college or a job. Migrant workers – mostly here illegally – have been the labor force of our farmers and agricultural producers for generations. So even if it was possible, a program of mass deportations would disrupt our economy and communities in ways that most Americans would find intolerable. I believe we can appeal not to people’s fears but to their hopes, to their highest ideals, because that’s who we are as Americans. It’s been inscribed on our nation’s seal since we declared our independence. ‘E pluribus unum.’ Out of many, one. That is what has drawn the persecuted and impoverished to our shores. That’s what led the innovators and risk-takers from around the world to take a chance here in the land of opportunity. That’s what has led people to endure untold hardships to reach this place called America.
Our laws should respect families following the rules – instead of splitting them apart. We need to provide farms a legal way to hire the workers they rely on, and a path for those workers to earn legal status. And we should stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents by denying them the chance to stay here and earn an education and contribute their talents to build the country where they’ve grown up,” end of quote.
CARLITO JIMENEZ MARQUEZ
Puerto Rico, Saipan
