“Staff have already met with the GAO to further define the scope of work for the Compact-Impact study,” Sablan said.
“And at GAO’s request I have contacted Governor Fitial and asked him to designate a point of contact on the study.”
GAO expects to complete the report next year.
Under the Compacts of Free Association between the U.S. and the three Freely Associated States of the Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, citizens of those countries are allowed to travel to the U.S. to live and work without a visa or work authorization. The CNMI, Guam and Hawaii have been the jurisdictions most affected by this migration, incurring substantial costs for services to these immigrants, including health care and education.
In 2003 Congress provided funds to help offset these costs, but the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii contend the aid is insufficient. Since then other states, such as Arkansas, have seen significant FAS migration and felt the fiscal impact.
“My colleagues and I asked the GAO to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations that will help us in crafting legislation to address the Compact-Impact issue,” Congressman Sablan said.
“It is important to have a good source within the governor’s office so that GAO can obtain accurate information from the government here. That will ensure that the Northern Marianas’ concerns are adequately addressed in legislation that we will be writing based on the GAO work.”
