The jobless nonresidents, especially those with U.S. citizen children, should be given enough time to either find a job or take care of their personal affairs before they leave, Inos told reporters yesterday.
Unemployed nonresidents must leave after Nov. 27, the day their CNMI-issued umbrella permit expires.
“We are talking about the potential displacement of folks who are basically caught at the last minute and not having ample time to really think about how they are going to move forward on these things,” Inos said.
He believes additional time will allow nonresidents not eligible for a CW visa to figure out if there’s anything else they can do to stay with their families here.
“I think some way of extending the deadline would be appropriate in my view,” he said.
“It’s only fair that they be given some time to really find employment or take care of their affairs before they leave. They are going to have to find money to buy airline tickets,” he said, adding that the issue is a humanitarian concern.
“I like to make sure that these folks are treated fairly and given some consideration,” he added.
KWAW disc jockey Jimmy Blancia or Jimmy B said he was very glad to hear Inos’ comments.
“We, nonresidents are very thankful to the CNMI government,” Blancia said, adding that he is also willing to kneel before federal authorities and request them to extend the stay of jobless foreigners.
So many Filipinos, Blancia said, listen to his radio program every night, hoping for some “good news.”
“We don’t need permanent residency. We just need to stay in the CNMI to work and keep our family together,” he added.
Malou Berueco, a guest worker, said an extension will be good for the jobless nonresidents who have many things to sort out, particularly their debts.
Berueco said some financial institutions will be affected as most of their borrowers are nonresidents.
Jobless nonresidents should be given ample time to stay to sell their belongings and take care of other matters before they leave.
But finding jobs in this economy is doubtful, she added.
She noted that businesses today are downsizing and not hiring.
