Under the federalization law, the transition period ends on Dec. 31, 2014. After that date, nonresident workers can only remain in the CNMI if they have federal H1 or H2 visas. Most of the CNMI’s alien workers, however, cannot qualify for either visa.
In his letter yesterday, Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, urged Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to appoint Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos as his special representative to hold 902 talks with federal officials.
Section 902 provides for consultations between the CNMI and federal governments regarding issues affecting their relationship.
Tenorio said the gradual reduction of the number of nonresident worker can potentially “strangle our economy even as we try to lift ourselves out of recession.”
He noted that the U.S. Department of Labor can extend the transition period to five years.
“Early approval is necessary, and the phase-out must be slowed or stopped, if both foreign and local investments in our private sector is to be attracted and maintained,” Tenorio told Fitial.
Tenorio said the U.S. Department of the Interior has recommended improved immigration status for qualified aliens workers in the CNMI.
Interior’s proposals to Congress include a pathway for U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the CNMI.
According to Tenorio, “Our indigenous population soon would become a politically powerless minority in our homeland. This cannot be allowed to happen.”
Congress has not acted on Interior’s recommendation.
Tenorio also pointed out that the federalization law does not provide a temporary visa for existing foreign investors who have already brought their capital to the CNMI.
Tenorio said successful 902 consultations “could result in an early extension of the phaseout of the temporary worker program, protection of our indigenous population and enhanced foreign investment in the commonwealth. They should take place as soon as possible.”
