Manglona, Ind.-Rota, asked the committee chairman, Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, to schedule public hearings on Saipan, Tinian and Rota “to gauge public opinion regarding the…recommendations and to assist the Senate in formulating a position and recommendations that reflect the sentiment of the people of the CNMI.”
Manglona said the hearings should serve as a foundation for the CNMI government’s official succeeding position paper on the issue.
“In our testimony to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, a commitment was made to Congress that the CNMI Legislature would conduct public hearings on this issue. As you are also aware, the Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 17-4, that in part requested that DOI work with the CNMI government in submitting to Congress a report that includes the CNMI government’s position and recommendations as to the future status of the alien worker population in the CNMI,” the Senate president told Hofschneider.
Manglona said the committee must make its recommendations to the Senate 90 days after conducting the public hearings.
The Fitial administration and both houses of the CNMI Legislature are opposed to Interior’s recommendation.
CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan said he will not agree to any change in immigration law that affects the islands unless it is supported by the local people.
