U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds is requesting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for assistance in addressing issues regarding the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program or EVS-TAP.
In her letter to Noem dated April 15, 2025, King-Hinds asked the following questions:
1) Have there been any changes to the anticipated processing for electronic travel authorization applications under EVS-TAP?
2) Have there been recent changes in Customs and Border Protection policy or procedure related to ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) adjudications that may be contributing to the delays?
3) Can your office provide any guidance or public-facing communications that my office may share with local stakeholders to provide clarity on the current situation?
Above all, King-Hinds asked for Noem’s consideration in ensuring that the processing of ETAs resumes on a predictable and timely basis.
“The people of the CNMI — who remain deeply committed to their role in advancing both economic and national security interests in the Pacific — are depending on it,” King-Hinds said.
She asked Noem for support in ensuring the continued operation of EVS-TAP and its critical role in sustaining the CNMI’s tourism industry.
King-Hinds said she fully supports the national security objectives of EVS-TAP and recognizes that every application must be individually reviewed and vetted. But consistent and timely processing is also essential, King-Hinds added.
“The CNMI economy depends almost entirely on international tourism, and even minor disruptions in traveler entry present cascading consequences for the businesses, families, and workers who rely on this industry. Delays in EVS-TAP processing compromise not just our recovery but also our broader credibility as a secure and accessible U.S. destination in the Indo-Pacific,” King-Hinds said.
In a statement to Variety on Thursday, King-Hinds said since learning about delays in ETA processing under the EVS-TAP, she has submitted multiple formal requests for information and requested meetings with senior White House officials.
She has also reached out directly to Border Security Advisor Tom Homan to emphasize the importance of consistent and timely processing.
She said her office has been in contact with the Marianas Visitors Authority, and has met with several industry stakeholders to better understand the impact on the ground and ensure their concerns are elevated at the federal level.
King-Hinds said DHS and the White House have received her requests, and she looks forward to working with the federal officials to gain greater clarity on the current status and implementation of EVS-TAP, “a program that supports a vital air service route, now accounting for nearly 9% of all visitor arrivals this fiscal year.”
“At a time when we’re seeing continued declines in arrivals, our priority must be restoring confidence and expanding access. For the CNMI’s tourism operators, workers, and broader economy, transparency and predictability are critical,” King-Hinds said.
She added that stronger screening and oversight are welcome, but they must be paired with clear communication and an understanding of the CNMI’s fragile economic conditions and urgent need for recovery.
