Julie Ogo
REPRESENTATIVE Julie Marie A. Ogo on Thursday welcomed the resumption of the Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program or EVS-TAP, calling it a “positive and necessary step” for the people of the CNMI, especially those whose livelihoods depend on a stable and functioning tourism sector.
“I’m pleased that EVS-TAP is back on track and that our visitors are once again able to enter under a system we designed for both security and economic vitality,” said Rep. Ogo. “But we must ensure that this kind of unilateral suspension never happens again. Federal decisions that so deeply affect our local economy must be accompanied by transparent lines of communication and consultation with CNMI leadership. Sudden disruptions like this create avoidable harm.”
Rep. Ogo, who represents Rota and chairs the House Committee on Tourism, emphasized that the pause in processing earlier this year was not just a bureaucratic issue — it had real consequences for working families and small businesses across the Marianas.
“This wasn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. This was about jobs. This was about bookings lost, flights canceled, and families left with fewer options to make ends meet,” she said. “That’s why clear federal communication isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a responsibility.”
In April, Rep. Ogo sent a formal letter to U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds outlining the damage caused by the unexplained suspension and calling for a 902-style consultation process to ensure that future policy shifts are informed by the voices of local stakeholders.
EVS-TAP was originally developed during the Trump administration through joint federal-territorial consultations. It allows for limited visa-free entry for pre-vetted travelers to the CNMI only, providing national security agencies with enhanced screening tools while supporting the local economy.
“Rota may be small, but we feel the shockwaves of decisions made far from our shores,” Rep. Ogo said. “We’re not asking for special treatment — we’re asking for partnership. The CNMI has always shown that we can meet high standards when given the chance. Now we need to make sure the lines of communication stay open so we’re not blindsided again.”
Rep. Ogo reaffirmed her commitment to working with both the CNMI and federal leadership to protect the integrity of EVS-TAP and ensure that future disruptions are avoided.
