Babauta met with Syed who said the federal official “listened patiently.”
“In my understanding he is concerned for us,” Syed said, adding that Babauta is also aware about the guest workers’ recent prayer vigil and petition signing.
Interior has recommended to the U.S. Congress the granting of improved status to qualified CNMI guest workers.
Babauta was on island Tuesday for an economic forum organized by Interior for the CNMI.
Syed attended the forum as president of the Saipan City Taxi Association.
He said he provided Babauta with a letter and a copy of their petition which is urging President Obama to extend parole-in-place protection to legal aliens in the CNMI.
Syed said more people have signed the petition, including 200 from Rota.
The CNMI has 16,000 guest workers.
During the launching of the petition drive at American Memorial Park on Tuesday evening, Syed said they were able to collect more than 600 signatures.
He said their group is also conducting an outreach effort to community members.
The online signature campaign can be found at http://unheardnomore.blogspot.com.
