H.R. 3658 will include Chinese and Russian tourists in the visa waiver program for 180 days beyond Nov. 28 when the federal government takes control of local immigration.
Raby Syed, the taxi association president, said Sablan’s bill will definitely boost the local tourism industry and help legitimate taxis on island.
Syed noted that most of the island’s taxi drivers and operators are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Sablan’s bill also allows person married to U.S. citizens or CNMI permanent residents to be granted the right to live in the commonwealth for a full five years from Nov. 28, 2009.
As president of the United Workers Movement NMI, Syed said he is also asking Sablan to include long-term foreign workers in the bill.
Syed said they appreciate Sablan’s humanitarian consideration.
Sablan’s bill also has a provision that allows lower application fees for U.S. citizens with immediate relatives, and waives the minimum income requirements for these families.
