“As I have said in all the meetings that I have with other groups, I have faith in the ability of DHS to implement the law by Nov. 28,” he added.
Gulick, who was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt Regency, said the proposed regulations for guest workers “will hopefully come out in about two months.”
He added that the federalization law, or the Consolidated Natural Resources Act, will not grant “amnesty” to overstaying nonresidents or former guest workers who have already lost their status in the CNMI.
He said if all the regulations will not be implemented by Nov. 28 and a nonresident needs to travel outside the CNMI, he should first consult with federal immigration agencies on island.
“The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, or U.S. Public Law 110-229, will provide for the continuation of CNMI employment authorization and allow persons to stay in the CNMI until their current authorization to stay expires,” Gulick said.
“What we are focusing on is for the regulations to have as little adverse impact on the islands’ economy as possible,” he added.
Asked about the possibility of another delay in the implementation of the federalization law, Gulick said it will require an act of the U.S. Congress.
CNMI officials believe a delay is unlikely.
Gulick at the same time urged members of the public to submit their comments to the proposed regulations for the E2 CNMI investor status.
“If you like or don’t like the proposed regulations, or if you have a proposal or alternative, feel free to comment at the regulations.com Web site,” Gulick said.
A copy of the E-2 CNMI Investor Status can be found at www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a2228b.
Oct. 14 is the deadline for the submission of comments.
