Kim Park, a student of Northern Marianas College, said she feels “safe” because of the umbrella permit issued by the Department of Commerce.
“As long as I have a legal status here, I am confident that there will be no problem with regards to my stay and my education,” she said.
Five other students said they are also not worried because their umbrella permit allows them to exit and re-enter the CNMI.
But they fear that tuition and other school fees will be raised after federalization.
“I am worried that the tuition and fees will double because the schools have to comply with U.S standards,” said a liberal arts student who declined to be identified.
He noted that foreign students are not eligible for financial aid and scholarships offered by the CNMI and U.S. governments.
A student of International Business and Professional College is hoping to “swiftly” transition to a U.S visa for students.
“I will work on whatever visa will be available for foreign students once the federal government takes over,” he added.
The only things he is worried about are the fees he needs to pay and the procedures he has to undergo in order to have a U.S. visa.
He said the fees will be a major problem since his parents, who live and work in China, will have to work harder so they can afford his education.
