UNIVERSITY of Denver sophomore Xavier Ada, an intern of the late Rep. Ivan A. Blanco, made a presentation on Wednesday in the House of Representatives about the CNMI’s economic potential.
The 19-year-old, who is working on a double major in political science and criminology, is the son of former Commerce Secretary Michael Ada.
As an intern for Blanco, he focused on “recommendations for legislation to improve the CNMI’s economic condition.”
Attending Xavier Ada’s presentation were Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Reps. Leila Staffler, Tina Sablan, Celina Babauta, Denita Yangetmai, Vicente Camacho, John Paul Sablan, Joel Camacho, Roy Ada, Joseph Flores and Angel Demapan.
According to Xavier Ada, the CNMI’s “distinct advantages” include being a part of the U.S.; having an English-speaking population; and exemption from the H-1B visa cap.
He said the CNMI can be an information technology or IT hub that creates jobs for locals.
He added that the CNMI can host H-1B workers to support midsize national IT firms. The H-1B workers will serve as mentors for locals.
He noted that H-1B visa holders are skilled workers with high salaries, and an IT firm usually leaves no environmental footprints. It may also have the ability to extend to Tinian and Rota and develop a sustainable and growing sector.
To achieve this goal, Xavier Ada said the Legislature can work with the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority and the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers “to craft an industry development plan,” and increase the CNMI’s competitiveness by reforming the Investment Incentive Act of 2000.
He said the Commonwealth can also limit the number and types of IT firms it wants to host to be consistent with the CNMI’s ability to support the industry.
Noting that the CNMI’s exemption from the H-1B visa cap has been in place for several years now, Rep. Tina Sablan asked Xavier Ada why he thinks U.S. companies have not been taking advantage of it.
Ada said most people in the U.S. mainland don’t know that the CNMI is a part of the U.S. and that the Commonwealth is exempted from the H-1B visa cap.
The lawmakers commended Xavier Ada for his “great job” in doing research.
Speaker Villagomez and the other lawmakers thanked Xavier Ada for his presentation, which Rep. Leila Staffler said was an “eye-opener.”
Rep. Roy Ada said the presentation was very good and he would like to learn more about the IT industry.
“Not only am I a proud uncle but as a member [of the House], I am proud that there is a product of this island who is bringing back whatever knowledge he has and offering it to us.”
Rep. Joel Camacho said he hopes that Xavier Ada will “someday…run for office.”
Rep. Denita Yangetmai said it was a great presentation, and “we are looking forward to these great things, the [IT firms]…. We should have them over here. It will be a great opportunity for our people….”
Rep. Celina Babauta commended and thanked Xavier Ada for a “well-researched” presentation. “I’m sure CNMI leaders could use talents like yours. Welcome home and congratulations,” she added.
Rep. Angel Demapan also thanked Xavier Ada “for taking time to share this information with us.”
He added, “I want to express my gratitude for your contributions, for your work with Representative Blanco that is about giving back to your home.”
University of Denver student Xavier Ada speaks to the House members during a presentation on the CNMI’s economic potential in the House chamber on Wednesday.
