I WAS born and raised on Saipan, yet I am not allowed to own land. I understand why, we can see what happened to the Hawaiians. I get it. I am not going to argue for repealing Article IX, but hear me out. There are thousands of people like me, living in the mainland who have made their careers and are itching to go home and take some risks. Be it start a business, build our parents’ dream homes, or simply to finally have a feeling of permanent belonging in a place we consider home. What if Article XII was amended to include non-NMDs, specifically those born and raised on the island? The economic benefit alone of thousands of non-NMDs wishing to return back due to this policy change at the very least is worth looking into by professionals.
JESSIE SAVELLANO
Seattle, WA
