In a letter dated Sept. 21, 2011, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Douglas Brennan said they also requested Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to correspond with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to start a feasibility study to ultimately attain a retirement visa classification to bring foreign retirees to the CNMI.
Brennan said under U.S. Public Law 110-229, or the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, only the CNMI and Guam are allowed this avenue to create this special visa.
“The chamber understands the critical mass necessary to move something like this through the legislative process in the U.S. Congress. We believe the CNMI has a compelling story with its economy in shambles, and we respectfully request your voice in the U.S. Congress to convey that story,” Brennan said.
He said the CNRA clearly states the drive must come from a request from the governor which has already occurred.
“Now we need friends in the Congress to realize what is well within the stated goals of the CNRA,” he said.
The CNRA, he added, aims “to minimize to the greatest extent practicable, potential adverse economic and fiscal effects of phasing out the commonwealth’s nonresident contract worker program and to maximize the potential for future economic and business growth.”
Brennan said this can be done by encouraging diversification and growth of the economy in accordance with the fundamental values underlying federal immigration policy, and by assisting the commonwealth to achieve a higher standard of living for citizens through the provision of technical and other assistance, and avoiding adverse effects.
Brennan said in recognition of the CNMI’s unique economic circumstances, history and geographical location, the islands should be given as much flexibility as possible to maintain existing businesses and other revenue sources, and develop new economic opportunities.
“We respectfully request your assistance in attaining our goal through a special visa for foreign retirees to bring foreign retirees to the CNMI,” Brennan told Sablan.
He added that the chamber is ready to work with Sablan and the governor to help revitalize the CNMI economy.
