He said it is not stipulated in the signed contract agreements between the CNMI and foreign workers that they should be granted special privileges, such as green cards, simply because of their contributions to the commonwealth.
“All foreign nationals should go through the U.S. federal immigration administrative process,” he said.
Irene Tantiado, Coaliton of United Workers (NMI) president, said they were asked by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to “share their concerns.”
“We were given that opportunity,” Tantiado said, adding that their group is only trying to protect its members’ interest.
Tantiado conferred with federal officials during their visit last week regarding an improved immigration status for long-time guest workers, an expedited processing of temporary worker visas, and a limited amnesty to overstaying foreign nationals.
According to Cruz, Tantiado is “basically requesting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to include all illegal aliens in the granting of an amnesty or pardon regardless of her admission and knowledge that there are overstaying foreign nationals who are already protected by the federal ombudsman.”
Cruz did not elaborate.
