USCIS has set a figure for total foreign workers allowed in the CNMI (22, 416 for 2012, to be reduced every succeeding year) based on reports of numbers that were accurate at the time the CNMI economy was booming. It set an interesting precedent, moreover, by reducing it by only one from the 2011 cap of 22,417. Conceivably, it could continue reducing it by only one until the end of the transitional period.
The number was set there in case the CNMI economy recovers and again needs larger numbers of foreign workers; that is also why the number was reduced by only one for 2012. It does not mean that 22,416 workers will be allowed into the CNMI willy-nilly. It only provides for the larger number, should it be needed.
Yet, according to an article in Wednesday’s issue, several of the members of the House have expressed concern, stating that the number is too high.
USCIS could have said that since there are fewer workers here now, the number allowed should reflect that. But that would have provided no flexibility. Moreover, given the prevailing national concern with immigration control, getting USCIS, at some date in the future, to increase the number of CNMI foreign workers allowed will be much more difficult — if not impossible — than providing for such an eventuality in the present rule.
In this instance, USCIS has shown wisdom and foresight. It should be thanked, not criticized!
RUTH L. TIGHE
Tanapag, Saipan
