Former Rep. Tina Sablan, who joined the meeting, assisted United Workers Movement leaders in the documentation of the workers’ sentiments.
Sablan interviewed at least 10 guest workers on video camera as they talked about their situation and appeal for improved status.
Rabby Syed, UWM president, said the video recorded interviews will be sent to federal agencies “with the hope that they will understand our unique situation in the CNMI.”
Wendy Doromal, the Florida-based human right advocate, expressed support for these activities of the UWM.
In 2007 and 2008, she also documented, through videotape, the sentiments of guest workers and citizens of the Freely Associated States.
“Letters and video-taped messages put a face on the issue, which is especially important since the CNMI is thousands of miles from Washington, D.C. where decisions are made,” she said.
Ronnie Doca, UWM chairman, said the documentation will continue in their next meetings to allow more guest workers and other nonresidents to share their thoughts about their quest for improved status.
The next gathering will be held on Saturday, March 6, Doca said.
Syed said their group is planning to draft a letter to the U.S. Homeland Security to ask for the extension of the parole system to the parents of U.S. citizen children and the nonresidents whose names are included on the overstayers list of the CNMI government.
He said they will hold more meetings while waiting for the final rules for foreign investors and the transitional worker program which are expected to be released this month.
On Oct. 27, 2009, the USCIS published an interim final rule creating a transitional worker visa classification in the CNMI.
During the transition period, alien workers currently ineligible for other classifications under federal immigration and who perform services or labor for an employer in the CNMI will receive nonimmigrant visa classification.
However, on Nov. 25, 2009, a federal court issued an order prohibiting DHS from implementing this interim final rule.
The court said DHS should give the public more time to comment on the proposed rules.
