DEAR U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds:
I write to you not only as a fellow public servant but as a representative of Rota and the broader CNMI community, where tourism is the heartbeat of our local economy. As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Tourism, I am deeply concerned about the recent delays in the CNMI-G Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) processing under the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP).
Since April 6, 2025, the anticipated five-day processing window for CNMI-G ETAs has lapsed without determination, leaving potential visitors in limbo and our tourism sector facing mounting uncertainties. This disruption not only threatens our economic stability but also undermines the trust we’ve built with international partners, particularly in the Chinese tourism market.
The EVS-TAP was established through collaborative efforts during the Trump administration, aiming to balance economic growth with national security. Its success hinges on timely processing and mutual respect between federal and local authorities. The current delays, implemented without consultation with CNMI leadership, deviate from this foundational principle.
Our community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to national security, supporting the expansion of U.S. military presence in the region. However, until the economic benefits of such developments materialize, we must safeguard the industries that sustain our daily lives.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request your assistance in:
1) Seeking a formal explanation from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the prolonged CNMI- G ETA processing times.
2) Advocating for a temporary suspension of the current enforcement actions until comprehensive consultations with CNMI officials are conducted and an economic impact assessment is completed.
3) Facilitating a structured re-engagement between CNMI and federal agencies, potentially under a 902-style consultation framework, to ensure the EVS-TAP’s implementation aligns with its original intent.
Our goal is not to seek exceptions but to uphold the principles of partnership and mutual respect that define our relationship with the federal government. With your support, I am confident we can navigate this challenge and reinforce the CNMI’s role as a vibrant and secure member of the American family.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our community. I look forward to collaborating with you to address this pressing issue.
Sincerely,
JULIE MARIE ATALIG OGO
Representative, First Senatorial District-Rota
Chairwoman, House Committee on Tourism
