The Department of Commerce has yet to disclose the names of these students but Variety’s source confirmed last week that the five are students with valid foreign student entry permits.
In an interview, Commerce Secretary Michael B. Ada said they are not totally responsible for these individuals “because schools and colleges accepting foreign students are our main focus.”
He added, “Our main role is to make sure that an [educational] institution is eligible and has the capability to admit foreign students.”
He said the permits of these students will be revoked if they are proven guilty by the court.
Commerce handled the processing of foreign student applications last year, but CNMI Immigration, which ceased to exist late last year, gave out the entry permits.
To be eligible for a foreign student entry permit, the foreigner must have a legitimate sponsor who will be responsible for the student while on island and will check if the student is indeed here for educational purposes.
The Student Exchange and Visitors Program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now handles CNMI foreign student applications.
