“We are still figuring out how to survive,” Syed said, adding that the federalization of local immigration may have a negative effect on the already struggling local economy.
He said their business is solely dependent on tourists.
Under the federalization law, Chinese and Russian tourists will have to secure U.S. visas before they can visit the CNMI.
Like CNMI officials and businesses, Syed is hoping that the Chinese and Russian tourists will be included in the U.S. visa waiver program.
Chinese and Russian tourists have been a big help to the taxi business, he said. Other tourists, he added, are on “package tours” and do not need the services of taxis.
On Sunday, the taxi association marked its seventh anniversary at the Garapan Central Park.
Syed said their association was formed in 2002 and officially registered in 2003.
“We want to show to the community that we are part of the community and we want to get involved because we too have children born her,” Syed said.
His group also celebrated the 12th birthday of his daughter, Poleen, on Saturday.
Besides Syed, the other officers of the association are vice president Asab Uzzaman, secretary Ranjit K. Saha, joint secretary Manjurul Alam, treasurer Shamsur Rahman, joint treasurer Tapan K. Banik, Board chairperson Amir Hossain, members; Ziaur Rahaman, Md. Jahangir Alam, Amrita Lal Sarker, Md. Mohedul Islam, other members, Chanchal K. Mondal, Nazmul Haque, Shakhawat Hossain, Joy Mollick and Apel Mahmud
