The department’s special immigration adviser, Alex Hartman, during a presentation last week, said Homeland Security “will take into account” the public’s comments.
Homeland Security, he added, is required to solicit public comments received during a 60-day period.
Hartman said they expect to receive negative and positive comments which will tell the department what works, what doesn’t, and what can be changed in the regulations.
During the presentation at American Memorial Park’s Visitors Center, Hartman answered questions from residents, businesspersons and local officials and took note of their concerns.
Through a power-point presentation, Hartman explained the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program that will be implemented in June.
The program allows visa-free entry for nonimmigrant visitors from Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
But Russia and China — the CNMI’s two emerging tourism markers — are not included.
In the next few months, Hartman said Homeland Security will open an immigration services office on Saipan.
