Cruz urged President Obama to direct the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to withdraw their opposition to the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which federalized the CNMI’s immigration system and implemented the new visa waiver program.
“I was certain that an Obama administration would be good for the nation and good for Guam. Sadly, the faith and hope I had that your administration would take positive action on behalf of the people of Guam has not translated into meaningful activity,” Cruz said in a letter to the president.
Cruz noted Obama’s Sept. 22 address to the United Nations in which the president said: “I have made it clear that the United States will do our part. My national security strategy recognizes development not only as a moral imperative, but a strategic and economic imperative.”
As the military buildup nears, Guam is promised increased government revenues, but this could also cost the island’s protection of its culture, heritage and environment, Cruz said.
“In return for temporary business activity, we are expected to suffer a further dilution of the political power of Guam’s indigenous people. Is this the best we can look forward to as the United States carries out its ‘moral imperative’ for economic justice?” Cruz asked.
“Doing what is right and just for the people of Guam is well within your power,” Cruz told Obama. “Surely, the people of Guam, loyal citizens of the United States, deserve the same promise of prosperity that you espouse for citizens of developing countries.”
