Syed noted that the decision to hold the gathering was made on Thursday night only and there was not enough time to inform everyone about it.
As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday, there were only 16 individuals who participated in the rally which urges the U.S. to grant parole in place to all nonresidents in the CNMI.
Syed said the afternoon rain and lack of tent might have prevented other nonresidents and their supporters from joining.
If within this week they can’t get enough support, then “we might end” the gathering, he added.
“But right now we are still making plans on how to continue this,” he told Variety.
Syed at the same time expressed support for the lawsuit filed in federal court by long-term nonresidents against the implementation of the CW rule.
He said they are considering other legal means that will allow all nonresidents, including the jobless, to remain in the CNMI after Nov. 27 when their umbrella permits expire.
“We are still expecting support from community members, especially the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens,” he added,
Syed said they are accepting donations, including food, drinks and tents, and have collected over $100 since Thursday night.
As of 4 p.m., Syed said nobody from the USCIS office came out and talked to their group.
He said they also haven’t received any update regarding their letter to President Obama whom they asked to exercise his administrative authority and issue parole in place to CNMI nonresidents.
Syed said they will continue their campaign through the media, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks until they are heard in Washington. D.C.
