Vice Speaker Cruz Pushes for Easing of Visa Restrictions On Chinese and Russian Tourists

Vice Speaker Cruz Pushes for Easing of Visa Restrictions On Chinese and Russian Tourists

Guam - In a move to secure a diversified economy for Guam after the military buildup, Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz

has sent a letter to Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, requesting that she urge the Department of Defense to support a favorable ruling by the Department of Homeland Security that would ease restrictions on visas for visitors from China and Russia.

According to Vice Speaker Cruz, "The 'steady state' of Guam's economy from 2017 on, as stated in the DEIS, will be a period of increased inflation, higher wage rates, and visitor industry market loss due to buildup activities. This impact must be adequately addressed and mitigated. This can be accomplished, in part, through the diversification of our visitor industry source markets."

After the military buildup peaks in 2014, Guam will experience marked instability from having built itself up to accommodate only a temporary upsurge. Once the construction projects are complete and the transient workforce moves on, Guam will be left to contend with the fallout of a bubble burst. Securing a diverse visitor profile could yield a projected $132.3 million for the local economy from China alone just when it is most needed.

Written by :
News Release