Manglona, R-Rota, told Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Efrain F. Camacho in a letter dated July 30, it is extremely important that both islands have permanent CBP representatives to man their seaports and airports.
Under the U.S. Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, the U.S. must take control all of the islands entry points such as the airports and seaports.
Rota is envisioned to be developed as a destination where international tourists can relax and play casino.
“It would be prudent and practical to have immigration officers stationed at all CNMI airports,” said Manglona.
He said Rota has seen over 30 charter flights arrive from Japan over the past year and Tinian continues to push for direct international flights from China.
“These charter flights are essential to improving our tourism industry and our islands’ economy. For the continuation of these flights, and to bring in additional charters, it will be necessary to have a CBP presence on the island,” the senator said.
He added: “Without their presence, we may be sending a negative message to carriers, which may in turn lead them to discontinuing service and look towards Guam as a transit point for those wishing to visit our islands.”
Camacho and Richard Vigna, U.S. CBP Director of San Francisco Field Operations, had already exchanged letters on the issue.
Vigna told CPA through Chairman Jose R. Lifoifoi that “for successful mission performance in the CNMI, CBP requires sufficient Federal Inspection Services (FIS) spaces for immigration processing at each location” and CBP “has identified specific areas” on Saipan, Rota and Tinian.
