No Chamorro blood runs in their veins and they were not born in the Northern Marianas.
If in fact the law regarding the disposal of public homestead lots has been waived to grant those to the adopted children, I think this is an injustice for those who were born and raised on the islands.
I believe that they have the same rights in claiming the lands.
I will be expecting a rebuttal in this matter from the powers that be!
And to our citizens: Who has more rights in claiming land?
The adopted child of a local, who is not related to him biologically and born as a foreign national or the child of a foreigner born in the CNMI?
Ironically, both questions are quite similar, if you look at it in one perspective.
I hope you can understand what I am trying to emphasize here.
If not, let me break it down for you.
In terms of rights of lands, what is the difference between the adopted child not born in the CNMI and the individual born in the CNMI–both do not have any Chamorro blood?
I believe therein lies the predicament.
Even if the adopted father or mother is local, the truth of the matter remains that that person not Chamorro, same as the individual born in the CNMI, so the rights exercised amongst the two should be equal and justified.
Since MPLA has granted homestead to the two adopted individuals, they have left an open window.
I can see a vague future in the shadows of the legal court this matter will set as a precedent. That I’m sure!
There are three things that can be done.
First, MPLA could seize the lands from the adopted individuals.
Second, if no action has been made then I suggest to those individuals who are over the age of 18, who are not Chamorro-descent, born in the CNMI, and now U.S. citizens, to stand up and exercise your rights!
And last, it will do all of us a great favor and avoid the legal frenzy if you submit changes to this law.
I expect it to be amended to be fair to all.
ANATASIA DAYE
San Jose, Tinian
