Showing posts with label Homeland Security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeland Security. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Q&A
Q&A
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On May 8, 2008, President Bush signed into law Public Law 110-229, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. Title VII of this law amended Pub. L. 94-241, the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States. Title VII fully extends certain provisions of the immigration laws of the United States to the CNMI for the first time in history. A transition period formally begins Nov. 28, 2009.
Q. Who qualifies for the CNMI-only Transitional Worker status in CNMI?
A. USCIS has established a transitional worker program for foreign nationals to live and work in CNMI. Foreign nationals who are eligible for an INA-based nonimmigrant status would not be eligible. Short term visitors for business or pleasure are not eligible to obtain CW classification because such individuals are not part of the foreign work force that is the subject of this interim rule.
Q. What is the legal basis for the CNMI-only Transition Worker program?
A. Section 6(d) of Pub. L. 94-241, as amended by CNRA, directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a transition program to assist CNMI employers to obtain necessary workers who are not otherwise eligible under U.S. immigration laws during the transition period.
Q. What is the purpose of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program?
A. The CNMI-only Transitional Worker Program will allow foreign nationals who are not eligible for another INA-based employment authorized nonimmigrant status to perform work in CNMI during the transition period. Thus, the purpose of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa is to offer a lawful U.S. immigration status to those foreign nationals who are not currently eligible for any other kind of immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. During the transition period, it is expected that these transitional workers will find a suitable, long-term alternative to their CNMI-Only Transitional Worker status by obtaining status under an INA-based visa category, or departing CNMI.
Q. What happens to foreign workers in CNMI on Nov. 28, 2009?
A. When federal immigration law takes effect in CNMI on Nov. 28, 2009, foreign workers who have a valid CNMI employment authorization may remain, live and work in CNMI for up to two years, or for the duration of their CNMI-based status, whichever occurs first. Before the expiration of that limited time period, they must obtain either CNMI-Only Transitional Worker status, or some other lawful U.S. immigration status to lawfully work and reside in CNMI and to travel between CNMI and another U.S. or foreign destination. If they leave CNMI for any reason, they must have a valid U.S. immigration visa to re-enter. Foreign workers who do NOT have a CNMI work contract could risk becoming “unlawful” if another U.S. immigration status is not obtained.
Q. What is the admission code for this visa classification be?
A. This new nonimmigrant visa classification will use the admission code CW-1 for the principal transitional worker and CW-2 for dependents.
Q. What does this mean for foreign residents who have been living and working in CNMI?
A. For those foreign workers who are not eligible for another kind of U.S. immigration status, the transitional worker visa is a critically important alternative. It could potentially give thousands of foreign workers a temporary status while they determine an appropriate long-term immigration status for themselves and their families.
Q. What are the timeframes of the transition period?
A. Although U.S. immigration laws apply fully to CNMI, there will be a transition period during which temporary measures will be carried out to allow for an orderly transition from CNMI's permit system to Federal immigration law and give foreign non-resident workers time to identify an appropriate long-term INA-based visa classification. The transition period begins on Nov. 28, 2009 and will end on December 31, 2014. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with appropriate federal agencies and the Governor of CNMI, may extend the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program for additional periods of up to five years. No decision on any extension has been made at this time.
Q. What are the requirements for the new CNMI Transitional Worker visa or status?
A. Under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program, there are requirements for both employers and workers.
Requirements for Employers-Employers must be engaged in legitimate business and may not engage directly or indirectly in prostitution, trafficking in minors, or any other activity that is illegal under Federal or CNMI law. The employer also bears the responsibility of filing the necessary petition and paying the requisite fees to employ transitional workers.
Requirements for Workers - Under the interim final rule, foreign workers may be classified as CW-1 nonimmigrants if, during the transition period, they:
* will enter or stay in CNMI to work in an occupational category that needs alien workers to supplement the resident workforce;
* are petitioned for by an employer;
* live in CNMI;
* are lawfully present in CNMI; and
* are not otherwise inadmissible to the United States.
Q. What does a worker need to do to get this visa or status?
A. The foreign national worker must meet the criteria noted in the answer above and find an employer willing to sponsor him/her. The responsibility for applying rests with the employer. Employers may file a petition for a transitional worker with USCIS using Form I-129CW, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker in the CNMI. (This new form was modeled after the existing Form I-129.)
Q. What does the worker's spouse and/or child need to get CW-2 status?
A. To accompany or follow to join, the derivative CW-2 nonimmigrant may file an application for extension of nonimmigrant stay on Form I-539 in accordance with the form instructions. The CW-2 status extension may not be approved until approval of the CW-1 extension petition. The filing fee is $300.
Q. How does someone obtain CW status?
A. Once the I-129CW petition is approved, the beneficiary and eligible family members may apply for CW-1, or CW-2 status. Since foreign nationals present in CNMI will not have given biometric information to the federal government before, and thus not have had required security checks conducted, biometrics will be required. The fee to collect biometrics is $80. A fee waiver is available if applicants can show inability to pay for both the Form I-129CW and biometric fees.
Aliens who are abroad will need to apply for a CW-1 or CW-2 visa at a U.S. consulate. When applicants apply overseas, USCIS will not require biometrics, however biometrics may be required by the Department of State.
Q. Which groups can apply for the Transitional Worker Program?
A. The transitional worker program will be available to two groups of foreign workers: (1) those who are lawfully present in the CNMI and (2) those who are abroad.
Q. Can people with CW status travel outside the CNMI?
A. Once status is obtained, the CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant may leave CNMI but they must have the appropriate visa to re-enter. If the CW-1 or CW-2 status is obtained in CNMI (not the Consular post abroad) the nonimmigrant will have the legal status, but this is not a visa valid for travel to and admission into CNMI. If the CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant departs CNMI, he or she must obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate to return to CNMI, unless alternative arrangements have been specifically approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Q. How does one obtain the visa for re-entry?
A. Someone who has obtained CW-1 or CW-2 status in CNMI (not at a Consular post abroad) who needs to leave CNMI for whatever reason will need to get a visa from the State Department to re-enter CNMI. Usually this is done at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate via a locally managed appointment system. If, for example, someone with CW-1 status plans to visit family in the Philippines, he/she would need to make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Manila to get the CW visa while they are in the Philippines. They would need to travel with documents to show the State Department officer during their interview and be prepared to wait at least a few days for the visa to be issued. Each U.S. Embassy and Consulate abroad has a different appointment system. To learn more about the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you may need to visit, travelers should go to: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Visa wait times for each Consular post abroad are posted at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.
Q. Can people with CW status travel elsewhere within the United States?
A. No. The CW visa classification is valid only in CNMI and does not permit travel to any other part of the United States, including Guam. However, if someone with CW status qualifies for another kind of nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, or a visa waiver program, he or she may travel elsewhere in the United States and the CW status would not prevent that.
Q. How much does it cost to apply for this visa?
A. The fee for Form I-129CW will be $320, the same amount charged for the I-129. In addition, Public Law 110-229 mandates a “CNMI education funding fee” of $150 per beneficiary per year which is mandatory and cannot be waived. Lastly, there would be a fee of $80 to collect biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and run necessary background checks. This expense could be borne by the applicant or the employer.
Q. Are fee waivers available?
A. Normally there is no fee waiver in employment-based cases. However, due to unique circumstances in CNMI, the I-129CW fee may be waived in extraordinary situations where an employer can demonstrate an inability to pay the fee. However, given the inherent inconsistency between sponsoring an alien for work and being unable to pay the fee required for that sponsorship, the situations warranting a fee waiver are expected to be extremely limited. There is a fee waiver for the $80 biometrics fee if applicants can show an inability to pay.
Q. Can an employer petition for more than one worker on the same form?
A. Yes, with some restrictions, employers may file for multiple beneficiaries on the same I-129CW. If the employees are all working in the same occupational category, for the same time period and in the same location, the employer may name as many employees on the petition as he/she wants. Unnamed beneficiaries are not allowed under this program.
Q. When can employers begin filing for workers?
A. The interim final rule stipulates that employers may not file for a worker more than six months before the date the employer needs that employee's services (i.e. if an employer needs a worker's services on January 1, the employer may submit a petition for the worker no earlier than July 1). The rule states that petitions may be filed before Nov. 28, 2009, but USCIS will not grant CW-1 status before that date.
To be continued
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On May 8, 2008, President Bush signed into law Public Law 110-229, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. Title VII of this law amended Pub. L. 94-241, the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States. Title VII fully extends certain provisions of the immigration laws of the United States to the CNMI for the first time in history. A transition period formally begins Nov. 28, 2009.
Q. Who qualifies for the CNMI-only Transitional Worker status in CNMI?
A. USCIS has established a transitional worker program for foreign nationals to live and work in CNMI. Foreign nationals who are eligible for an INA-based nonimmigrant status would not be eligible. Short term visitors for business or pleasure are not eligible to obtain CW classification because such individuals are not part of the foreign work force that is the subject of this interim rule.
Q. What is the legal basis for the CNMI-only Transition Worker program?
A. Section 6(d) of Pub. L. 94-241, as amended by CNRA, directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a transition program to assist CNMI employers to obtain necessary workers who are not otherwise eligible under U.S. immigration laws during the transition period.
Q. What is the purpose of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program?
A. The CNMI-only Transitional Worker Program will allow foreign nationals who are not eligible for another INA-based employment authorized nonimmigrant status to perform work in CNMI during the transition period. Thus, the purpose of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa is to offer a lawful U.S. immigration status to those foreign nationals who are not currently eligible for any other kind of immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. During the transition period, it is expected that these transitional workers will find a suitable, long-term alternative to their CNMI-Only Transitional Worker status by obtaining status under an INA-based visa category, or departing CNMI.
Q. What happens to foreign workers in CNMI on Nov. 28, 2009?
A. When federal immigration law takes effect in CNMI on Nov. 28, 2009, foreign workers who have a valid CNMI employment authorization may remain, live and work in CNMI for up to two years, or for the duration of their CNMI-based status, whichever occurs first. Before the expiration of that limited time period, they must obtain either CNMI-Only Transitional Worker status, or some other lawful U.S. immigration status to lawfully work and reside in CNMI and to travel between CNMI and another U.S. or foreign destination. If they leave CNMI for any reason, they must have a valid U.S. immigration visa to re-enter. Foreign workers who do NOT have a CNMI work contract could risk becoming “unlawful” if another U.S. immigration status is not obtained.
Q. What is the admission code for this visa classification be?
A. This new nonimmigrant visa classification will use the admission code CW-1 for the principal transitional worker and CW-2 for dependents.
Q. What does this mean for foreign residents who have been living and working in CNMI?
A. For those foreign workers who are not eligible for another kind of U.S. immigration status, the transitional worker visa is a critically important alternative. It could potentially give thousands of foreign workers a temporary status while they determine an appropriate long-term immigration status for themselves and their families.
Q. What are the timeframes of the transition period?
A. Although U.S. immigration laws apply fully to CNMI, there will be a transition period during which temporary measures will be carried out to allow for an orderly transition from CNMI's permit system to Federal immigration law and give foreign non-resident workers time to identify an appropriate long-term INA-based visa classification. The transition period begins on Nov. 28, 2009 and will end on December 31, 2014. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with appropriate federal agencies and the Governor of CNMI, may extend the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program for additional periods of up to five years. No decision on any extension has been made at this time.
Q. What are the requirements for the new CNMI Transitional Worker visa or status?
A. Under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program, there are requirements for both employers and workers.
Requirements for Employers-Employers must be engaged in legitimate business and may not engage directly or indirectly in prostitution, trafficking in minors, or any other activity that is illegal under Federal or CNMI law. The employer also bears the responsibility of filing the necessary petition and paying the requisite fees to employ transitional workers.
Requirements for Workers - Under the interim final rule, foreign workers may be classified as CW-1 nonimmigrants if, during the transition period, they:
* will enter or stay in CNMI to work in an occupational category that needs alien workers to supplement the resident workforce;
* are petitioned for by an employer;
* live in CNMI;
* are lawfully present in CNMI; and
* are not otherwise inadmissible to the United States.
Q. What does a worker need to do to get this visa or status?
A. The foreign national worker must meet the criteria noted in the answer above and find an employer willing to sponsor him/her. The responsibility for applying rests with the employer. Employers may file a petition for a transitional worker with USCIS using Form I-129CW, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker in the CNMI. (This new form was modeled after the existing Form I-129.)
Q. What does the worker's spouse and/or child need to get CW-2 status?
A. To accompany or follow to join, the derivative CW-2 nonimmigrant may file an application for extension of nonimmigrant stay on Form I-539 in accordance with the form instructions. The CW-2 status extension may not be approved until approval of the CW-1 extension petition. The filing fee is $300.
Q. How does someone obtain CW status?
A. Once the I-129CW petition is approved, the beneficiary and eligible family members may apply for CW-1, or CW-2 status. Since foreign nationals present in CNMI will not have given biometric information to the federal government before, and thus not have had required security checks conducted, biometrics will be required. The fee to collect biometrics is $80. A fee waiver is available if applicants can show inability to pay for both the Form I-129CW and biometric fees.
Aliens who are abroad will need to apply for a CW-1 or CW-2 visa at a U.S. consulate. When applicants apply overseas, USCIS will not require biometrics, however biometrics may be required by the Department of State.
Q. Which groups can apply for the Transitional Worker Program?
A. The transitional worker program will be available to two groups of foreign workers: (1) those who are lawfully present in the CNMI and (2) those who are abroad.
Q. Can people with CW status travel outside the CNMI?
A. Once status is obtained, the CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant may leave CNMI but they must have the appropriate visa to re-enter. If the CW-1 or CW-2 status is obtained in CNMI (not the Consular post abroad) the nonimmigrant will have the legal status, but this is not a visa valid for travel to and admission into CNMI. If the CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant departs CNMI, he or she must obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate to return to CNMI, unless alternative arrangements have been specifically approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Q. How does one obtain the visa for re-entry?
A. Someone who has obtained CW-1 or CW-2 status in CNMI (not at a Consular post abroad) who needs to leave CNMI for whatever reason will need to get a visa from the State Department to re-enter CNMI. Usually this is done at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate via a locally managed appointment system. If, for example, someone with CW-1 status plans to visit family in the Philippines, he/she would need to make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Manila to get the CW visa while they are in the Philippines. They would need to travel with documents to show the State Department officer during their interview and be prepared to wait at least a few days for the visa to be issued. Each U.S. Embassy and Consulate abroad has a different appointment system. To learn more about the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you may need to visit, travelers should go to: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Visa wait times for each Consular post abroad are posted at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.
Q. Can people with CW status travel elsewhere within the United States?
A. No. The CW visa classification is valid only in CNMI and does not permit travel to any other part of the United States, including Guam. However, if someone with CW status qualifies for another kind of nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, or a visa waiver program, he or she may travel elsewhere in the United States and the CW status would not prevent that.
Q. How much does it cost to apply for this visa?
A. The fee for Form I-129CW will be $320, the same amount charged for the I-129. In addition, Public Law 110-229 mandates a “CNMI education funding fee” of $150 per beneficiary per year which is mandatory and cannot be waived. Lastly, there would be a fee of $80 to collect biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and run necessary background checks. This expense could be borne by the applicant or the employer.
Q. Are fee waivers available?
A. Normally there is no fee waiver in employment-based cases. However, due to unique circumstances in CNMI, the I-129CW fee may be waived in extraordinary situations where an employer can demonstrate an inability to pay the fee. However, given the inherent inconsistency between sponsoring an alien for work and being unable to pay the fee required for that sponsorship, the situations warranting a fee waiver are expected to be extremely limited. There is a fee waiver for the $80 biometrics fee if applicants can show an inability to pay.
Q. Can an employer petition for more than one worker on the same form?
A. Yes, with some restrictions, employers may file for multiple beneficiaries on the same I-129CW. If the employees are all working in the same occupational category, for the same time period and in the same location, the employer may name as many employees on the petition as he/she wants. Unnamed beneficiaries are not allowed under this program.
Q. When can employers begin filing for workers?
A. The interim final rule stipulates that employers may not file for a worker more than six months before the date the employer needs that employee's services (i.e. if an employer needs a worker's services on January 1, the employer may submit a petition for the worker no earlier than July 1). The rule states that petitions may be filed before Nov. 28, 2009, but USCIS will not grant CW-1 status before that date.
To be continued
Friday, October 23, 2009
US Customs poised to control NMI borders
US Customs poised to control NMI borders
Full access to airport facilities sought for up to 53 officers
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Friday, October 23, 2009
Key officials of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection led by Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations Thomas S. Winkowski personally told Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, lawmakers, and other local officials yesterday that CBP is “fully ready” to secure CNMI borders by Nov. 28 as required by the federalization law.
“From an operational standpoint, we're ready,” Winkowski told House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), Senate President Pete P. Reyes (R-Saipan) and other members of the 16th Legislature on Capital Hill yesterday morning.
In their “operational readiness visit,” the federal team sought “full access” to the immigration facilities at the Saipan and Rota airports ahead of the Nov. 28 federalization to be able to install equipment and prepare for the takeover of border control.
Fitial gave CBP access to the facility, which the officials visited yesterday afternoon, said Winkowski.
Press secretary Charles Reyes confirmed that Fitial assured the federal officials that they would get the necessary access to the airports over the next several weeks to do their job.
“The federal officials agreed that they would make every effort not to interfere with the Commonwealth's enforcement of its immigration laws through Nov. 27,” Reyes said in a statement.
Winkowski said the team has had “productive meetings” with local officials.
“This is an operational readiness visit. I want to be sure that come Nov. 28, we're going to be up and running and you can't do that by sitting in Washington, D.C. You have to come out here and look at the facility, have meetings that we have today with the Legislature, with the governor, and work through any type of issues,” he told reporters.
Up to 53 CBP personnel
Winkowski said between 45 and 53 CBP personnel will be temporarily assigned to the CNMI, primarily at the Saipan International Airport, to screen some 400,000 passengers a year. Others will also be detailed at the Rota airport.
He said qualified CBP personnel from Guam and other U.S. states will be temporarily stationed until permanent hires are in place.
“I'm estimating it will take a year to eliminate temporary personnel,” Winkowski told lawmakers.
Jerry Aevermann, the current assistant port director for CBP Guam, has been named CBP interim port director for the CNMI.
Winkowski said a working group, to be led by Aevermann, is being formed to ensure a smooth transition to federal immigration control.
Besides Winkowski and Aevermann, seven other CBP officials from Washington, D.C. and Guam are visiting the CNMI.
They include CBP Assistant Commissioner for Information Technology Charles Armstrong; David Morrell, executive director of the Office of Field Operations' Mission Support; Cheryl Peters, program manager of the Office of Field Operations; Richard Vigna, director of Field Operations in San Francisco; Bruce Murley, area port director in Honolulu, Hawaii; Rocky Miner, port director in Guam; and Fraim Leon Guerrero of CBP Guam.
The team visited Guam before coming to Saipan Wednesday night. The officials leave Saipan today.
Rep. Rosemond Santos (R-Saipan) and other lawmakers wanted assurance from the federal officials that the current CNMI immigration personnel will be absorbed by CBP.
Winkowski said consideration is being given, but said qualification requirements will still need to be followed. He added that CBP will issue other job announcements for needed positions.
Immigration inspection
In answering questions from Rep. Ray N. Yumul (R-Saipan), the visiting federal officials said by Nov. 28, those who have already undergone immigration screening on Guam will not be screened again when they enter Saipan and vice versa.
However, those boarding on Saipan or Guam to other destinations will still undergo screening when they fly to Hawaii and other U.S. states and territories.
The CBP officials also said that travels between Saipan, Tinian and Rota will not need immigration screening.
Rep. Justo Quitugua (D-Saipan) and Rep. Diego Benavente (R-Saipan) asked whether nonresident workers can freely exit and enter the CNMI throughout the transition period starting on Nov. 28 without having to secure a U.S. visa.
CBP officials said this is still being worked on by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
CBP and the USCIS are among the component units of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is the lead agency implementing Public Law 110-229 (the Consolidated Natural Resources Act) in the CNMI. DHS is required to staff and equip six ports of entry in the CNMI by Nov. 28.
Winkowski said it's only a happenstance that they're in the CNMI when Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced she will be exercising her parole authority to allow Chinese and Russian tourists to enter the CNMI without a U.S. visa even when federalization begins Nov. 28. (See main story)
Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) asked CBP to conduct public outreach on the agency's activities and policies, to which Winkowski said this is also being worked on.
Winkwoski, when asked about human trafficking and drug smuggling concerns, said there will be investigators that work for DHS to address these issues.
The CBP officials met not only with Fitial yesterday, but also with officials of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Office of the Attorney General, the CNMI Division of Customs, the CNMI Division of Immigration, and the Department of Labor.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), in a statement, said he has “been assured that all the necessary equipment to do the pre-screening and monitor visitor exits will be in place by Nov. 28.”
“I have been very concerned about the department's operational readiness, but I'm beginning to see some forward motion. I also think that we have to be sure that this capacity is also present for the Rota and Tinian tourist markets. This isn't just about Saipan,” said Sablan.
Full access to airport facilities sought for up to 53 officers
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Friday, October 23, 2009
Key officials of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection led by Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations Thomas S. Winkowski personally told Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, lawmakers, and other local officials yesterday that CBP is “fully ready” to secure CNMI borders by Nov. 28 as required by the federalization law.
“From an operational standpoint, we're ready,” Winkowski told House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), Senate President Pete P. Reyes (R-Saipan) and other members of the 16th Legislature on Capital Hill yesterday morning.
In their “operational readiness visit,” the federal team sought “full access” to the immigration facilities at the Saipan and Rota airports ahead of the Nov. 28 federalization to be able to install equipment and prepare for the takeover of border control.
Fitial gave CBP access to the facility, which the officials visited yesterday afternoon, said Winkowski.
Press secretary Charles Reyes confirmed that Fitial assured the federal officials that they would get the necessary access to the airports over the next several weeks to do their job.
“The federal officials agreed that they would make every effort not to interfere with the Commonwealth's enforcement of its immigration laws through Nov. 27,” Reyes said in a statement.
Winkowski said the team has had “productive meetings” with local officials.
“This is an operational readiness visit. I want to be sure that come Nov. 28, we're going to be up and running and you can't do that by sitting in Washington, D.C. You have to come out here and look at the facility, have meetings that we have today with the Legislature, with the governor, and work through any type of issues,” he told reporters.
Up to 53 CBP personnel
Winkowski said between 45 and 53 CBP personnel will be temporarily assigned to the CNMI, primarily at the Saipan International Airport, to screen some 400,000 passengers a year. Others will also be detailed at the Rota airport.
He said qualified CBP personnel from Guam and other U.S. states will be temporarily stationed until permanent hires are in place.
“I'm estimating it will take a year to eliminate temporary personnel,” Winkowski told lawmakers.
Jerry Aevermann, the current assistant port director for CBP Guam, has been named CBP interim port director for the CNMI.
Winkowski said a working group, to be led by Aevermann, is being formed to ensure a smooth transition to federal immigration control.
Besides Winkowski and Aevermann, seven other CBP officials from Washington, D.C. and Guam are visiting the CNMI.
They include CBP Assistant Commissioner for Information Technology Charles Armstrong; David Morrell, executive director of the Office of Field Operations' Mission Support; Cheryl Peters, program manager of the Office of Field Operations; Richard Vigna, director of Field Operations in San Francisco; Bruce Murley, area port director in Honolulu, Hawaii; Rocky Miner, port director in Guam; and Fraim Leon Guerrero of CBP Guam.
The team visited Guam before coming to Saipan Wednesday night. The officials leave Saipan today.
Rep. Rosemond Santos (R-Saipan) and other lawmakers wanted assurance from the federal officials that the current CNMI immigration personnel will be absorbed by CBP.
Winkowski said consideration is being given, but said qualification requirements will still need to be followed. He added that CBP will issue other job announcements for needed positions.
Immigration inspection
In answering questions from Rep. Ray N. Yumul (R-Saipan), the visiting federal officials said by Nov. 28, those who have already undergone immigration screening on Guam will not be screened again when they enter Saipan and vice versa.
However, those boarding on Saipan or Guam to other destinations will still undergo screening when they fly to Hawaii and other U.S. states and territories.
The CBP officials also said that travels between Saipan, Tinian and Rota will not need immigration screening.
Rep. Justo Quitugua (D-Saipan) and Rep. Diego Benavente (R-Saipan) asked whether nonresident workers can freely exit and enter the CNMI throughout the transition period starting on Nov. 28 without having to secure a U.S. visa.
CBP officials said this is still being worked on by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
CBP and the USCIS are among the component units of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is the lead agency implementing Public Law 110-229 (the Consolidated Natural Resources Act) in the CNMI. DHS is required to staff and equip six ports of entry in the CNMI by Nov. 28.
Winkowski said it's only a happenstance that they're in the CNMI when Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced she will be exercising her parole authority to allow Chinese and Russian tourists to enter the CNMI without a U.S. visa even when federalization begins Nov. 28. (See main story)
Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) asked CBP to conduct public outreach on the agency's activities and policies, to which Winkowski said this is also being worked on.
Winkwoski, when asked about human trafficking and drug smuggling concerns, said there will be investigators that work for DHS to address these issues.
The CBP officials met not only with Fitial yesterday, but also with officials of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Office of the Attorney General, the CNMI Division of Customs, the CNMI Division of Immigration, and the Department of Labor.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), in a statement, said he has “been assured that all the necessary equipment to do the pre-screening and monitor visitor exits will be in place by Nov. 28.”
“I have been very concerned about the department's operational readiness, but I'm beginning to see some forward motion. I also think that we have to be sure that this capacity is also present for the Rota and Tinian tourist markets. This isn't just about Saipan,” said Sablan.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Federal Officials say CNMI Imigration Federalization on Track
Federal Officials say CNMI Imigration Federalization on Track
Guam - Acting Lt. Governor and Speaker Judi Wonpat met with several federal officials today including the assistant commissioner of the department of homeland security, Honolulu's port director, and the US Customs and Border Patrol's Director of field operations in San Francisco. According to the Speaker they are all en route to the CNMI in preparation for it's immigration's federalization.
The speaker says that the federalization of CNMI's immigration will require them to use some of Guam's US customs agents however it will be on a part time basis and shouldn't affect any of Guam's operations.
The speaker adds that they did not have an answer as to the viability of extending the visa-waiver program to China and Russia. They did however reassure the Speaker that they would be on track to implament the CNMI's federalization on Nov. 28th.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Guam - Acting Lt. Governor and Speaker Judi Wonpat met with several federal officials today including the assistant commissioner of the department of homeland security, Honolulu's port director, and the US Customs and Border Patrol's Director of field operations in San Francisco. According to the Speaker they are all en route to the CNMI in preparation for it's immigration's federalization.
The speaker says that the federalization of CNMI's immigration will require them to use some of Guam's US customs agents however it will be on a part time basis and shouldn't affect any of Guam's operations.
The speaker adds that they did not have an answer as to the viability of extending the visa-waiver program to China and Russia. They did however reassure the Speaker that they would be on track to implament the CNMI's federalization on Nov. 28th.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sablan Introduces Bill To Delay Start of Federal Immigration Control in CNMI Until December 1, 2010
Sablan Introduces Bill To Delay Start of Federal Immigration Control in CNMI Until December 1, 2010
Guam - U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has introduced legislation that delays the start of federal immigration control in the Northern Mariana Islands until December 1, 2010.
“I have made the decision to seek this delay only after much deliberation,” said Sablan. “I firmly believe that federal control of the borders will reduce the scams and abuses that have been a hallmark of local immigration control.
“And I believe that just as political union with the United States was a wise decision and one that benefits the Northern Mariana Islands every single day, so too will it benefit us to be part of the U.S. immigration system.
“But the simple truth is that the Department of Homeland Security, which has had almost a year and a half to prepare, is not ready to implement U.S. Public Law 110-229 on November 28.
“I know that for many people in Washington and in the Commonwealth, who have been pushing for U.S. control of immigration, my bill will seem like backsliding. And I certainly would have preferred not to have to take this action. But I also have to acknowledge the reality of the situation.
“Homeland Security has not finalized arrangements for space at the ports of entry that it must control. No construction of facilities at the ports has begun. None of the sophisticated communications and data entry equipment and supporting infrastructure needed have been installed. Not a single Customs and Border Patrol employee is in place in the Marianas to manage the start-up, which is scheduled to occur in just 65 days.
“Even the Department of Homeland Security itself has now admitted in written reply to Congress that the Department will not be fully operational in the Marianas until 2011.
“That’s not good enough. The people of the Northern Mariana Islands – and the people of all the United States – deserve and expect all U.S. borders to be fully operational all the time.”
Sablan’s bill does not just delay the start of federal control for a year. The bill also responds to agency foot-dragging by requiring reports to Congress every 30 days on actions being taken to be fully prepared to man the borders on December 1, 2010.
“I want to make clear that my bill is not delay for the sake of delay. And I certainly don’t want to find us back in this same predicament a year from now with an impending start up date and an agency that isn’t prepared.
“My bill requires DHS to provide Congress with detailed budgets for the next two years to show how the transition will be paid for. The Department will be required to explain what equipment, software, and personnel needs it has and how it plans to get that infrastructure in place.”
The measure also addresses the issue of the visa waiver program that currently allows Russians and Chinese tourists to easily enter the Commonwealth.
“Although the CNMI visa waiver program would continue as is for another year under my bill, I also want Homeland Security to report to Congress on what will happen after the new start date of December 2010. If there are additional security measures needed to allow Russians and Chinese to enter, what are those measures? DHS has never told us. And, if Russian and Chinese are still excluded from a visa waiver program after December 2010, then I want DHS to explain how these countries can be included at a later date.
“I also want DHS to explain why the system we have now, which requires a bond from tourist agencies sending Russians and Chinese here and which has operated almost completely trouble free, can’t be the system that DHS uses to handle these tourists.”
Guam - U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has introduced legislation that delays the start of federal immigration control in the Northern Mariana Islands until December 1, 2010.
“I have made the decision to seek this delay only after much deliberation,” said Sablan. “I firmly believe that federal control of the borders will reduce the scams and abuses that have been a hallmark of local immigration control.
“And I believe that just as political union with the United States was a wise decision and one that benefits the Northern Mariana Islands every single day, so too will it benefit us to be part of the U.S. immigration system.
“But the simple truth is that the Department of Homeland Security, which has had almost a year and a half to prepare, is not ready to implement U.S. Public Law 110-229 on November 28.
“I know that for many people in Washington and in the Commonwealth, who have been pushing for U.S. control of immigration, my bill will seem like backsliding. And I certainly would have preferred not to have to take this action. But I also have to acknowledge the reality of the situation.
“Homeland Security has not finalized arrangements for space at the ports of entry that it must control. No construction of facilities at the ports has begun. None of the sophisticated communications and data entry equipment and supporting infrastructure needed have been installed. Not a single Customs and Border Patrol employee is in place in the Marianas to manage the start-up, which is scheduled to occur in just 65 days.
“Even the Department of Homeland Security itself has now admitted in written reply to Congress that the Department will not be fully operational in the Marianas until 2011.
“That’s not good enough. The people of the Northern Mariana Islands – and the people of all the United States – deserve and expect all U.S. borders to be fully operational all the time.”
Sablan’s bill does not just delay the start of federal control for a year. The bill also responds to agency foot-dragging by requiring reports to Congress every 30 days on actions being taken to be fully prepared to man the borders on December 1, 2010.
“I want to make clear that my bill is not delay for the sake of delay. And I certainly don’t want to find us back in this same predicament a year from now with an impending start up date and an agency that isn’t prepared.
“My bill requires DHS to provide Congress with detailed budgets for the next two years to show how the transition will be paid for. The Department will be required to explain what equipment, software, and personnel needs it has and how it plans to get that infrastructure in place.”
The measure also addresses the issue of the visa waiver program that currently allows Russians and Chinese tourists to easily enter the Commonwealth.
“Although the CNMI visa waiver program would continue as is for another year under my bill, I also want Homeland Security to report to Congress on what will happen after the new start date of December 2010. If there are additional security measures needed to allow Russians and Chinese to enter, what are those measures? DHS has never told us. And, if Russian and Chinese are still excluded from a visa waiver program after December 2010, then I want DHS to explain how these countries can be included at a later date.
“I also want DHS to explain why the system we have now, which requires a bond from tourist agencies sending Russians and Chinese here and which has operated almost completely trouble free, can’t be the system that DHS uses to handle these tourists.”
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
CNMI federalization transition plan issued
CNMI federalization transition plan issued
Administration urges DHS to waive travel restrictions
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Fitial administration has issued a 46-page CNMI protocol addressing key concerns related to the transition to federal immigration on Nov. 28, including the loss of government jobs, foreign labor, and adjudication of labor cases.
Titled “The Commonwealth's Protocol for Implementation of Public Law 110-229,” the document prepares the CNMI for federalization which will immediately affect displaced government employees and foreigners who currently hold CNMI-granted status.
Press secretary Charles Reyes, when asked for comment yesterday, said the governor has “approved such a plan to address important transition issues.”
By Nov. 28, for example, CNMI immigration employees will be out of job given that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection has not hired a single U.S. citizen from the CNMI in the 18 months since the federalization law was signed.
Attorney General Ed Buckingham and Howard P. Willens, special counsel to the governor, with instructions from Fitial, undertook the preparation for the protocol.
“The current version of the protocol is intended to collect our policies for reference by all concerned in both the public and private sectors in the Commonwealth and by the responsible federal agencies,” said Willens in a Sept. 15 memorandum for Fitial.
The protocol aims to implement the transition smoothly with as little disruption and uncertainty as possible, keep families together and treat affected persons fairly, and minimize adverse consequences to the recovery of the CNMI economy.
It said the provisions of P.L. 110-229 are imprecise as to the way that the U.S. authorities are to interact with the CNMI authorities and DHS has not yet shared its views on most of the issues discussed in the protocol.
The protocol listed at least 28 CNMI laws about which pre-emption questions could be raised, and these include the organization of the Executive Branch, the Commonwealth Entry and Deportation Act, the Nonresident Worker's Act, the Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007, Excise tax and user fees, and the Commonwealth Minimum Wage and Hour Act.
Outsourcing of services
The Fitial administration has been preparing for discussion with CBP in Washington, D.C. on a proposal to outsource certain port of entry jobs to a private CNMI contractor.
The private contractor would employ current CNMI Division of Immigration employees and provide these employees to supplement CBP personnel assigned to the Commonwealth.
“The contractor personnel would work under the supervision of CBP onsite supervisors,” the protocol said.
Under P.L. 110-229, DHS will control and operate six ports of entry in the CNMI.
In the short term following the Nov. 28 transition, the CNMI intended to use the current Department of Labor workforce in dealing with the problems of employing U.S. citizens to the maximum extent possible.
Travel restrictions
The protocol also urges DHS to waive travel restrictions for foreign workers, foreign investors, and foreign students.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have announced that nonresidents will be prevented from returning to the CNMI if they lave the islands for medical, family, businesses or other reasons.
“That is unnecessary, highly damaging to the Commonwealth and its citizens, and unacceptable from the Commonwealth's point of view. DHS has authority to waive these restrictions and should do so,” the protocol said.
It added that anyone who holds a CNMI-issued permit or a federally-issued CNMI-only permit is not a threat to U.S. national security and should be allowed to continue employment if they leave the CNMI and return during the term of the permit.
The proposed E-2 CNMI investor status rule, published last week, provides the same travel restrictions to foreign investors.
Under the proposed regulations, the foreign investor must apply for a visa at a consulate or embassy in his home country and obtain a U.S. visa issued by the Department of State to be able to re-enter the CNMI.
PL 110-229 provides specifically that lawful permits issued to persons who wish to remain in the CNMI after Nov. 28, 2009 will be respected for the duration of the permit but not to exceed two years.
Permits
Local government agencies will continue to issue permits and extension until Nov. 27, 2009 for CNMI immigration categories, from 240A to 240Y, and other categories made necessary by the transition to federal immigration law.
For example, the Department of Commerce and the Division of Immigration will continue to issue regular-term business entry permits and extensions in the normal course until Nov. 27, 2009.
CNMI Immigration will issue two-year permits as of Nov. 27, 2009 to every alien who is a government employee and for whom the Office of Personnel Management certified a need for a two-year permit.
The local Immigration will also continue to issue visitor entry permits and extension in the normal course until Nov. 27, 2009.
The government intends to issue public notices and awareness campaign to disseminate information contained in the protocol.
Lynn Knight, a former chair of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI), said the CNMI's protocol document is a “phenomenal undertaking on this incredibly complex issue.”
“Unfortunately, so many gray areas remain even at this late date. This is a pro-active effort to establish what should happen next on the working relationships and necessary details of the immigration takeover. I want to congratulate all those who contributed to the document and I certainly hope the federal officials who will have some role in this going forward will take the protocol very seriously,” said Knight, who used to be a communications liaison on immigration issues. She now lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
The Fitial administration first reported the creation of a public-private task force to ensure operational concerns are addressed related to the federalization transition, right after Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan changed his position by now supporting a delay in federalization.
Sablan said DHS is not ready to implement the law by Nov. 28, but DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said the department is prepared to control CNMI borders by the date set by law.
Administration urges DHS to waive travel restrictions
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Fitial administration has issued a 46-page CNMI protocol addressing key concerns related to the transition to federal immigration on Nov. 28, including the loss of government jobs, foreign labor, and adjudication of labor cases.
Titled “The Commonwealth's Protocol for Implementation of Public Law 110-229,” the document prepares the CNMI for federalization which will immediately affect displaced government employees and foreigners who currently hold CNMI-granted status.
Press secretary Charles Reyes, when asked for comment yesterday, said the governor has “approved such a plan to address important transition issues.”
By Nov. 28, for example, CNMI immigration employees will be out of job given that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection has not hired a single U.S. citizen from the CNMI in the 18 months since the federalization law was signed.
Attorney General Ed Buckingham and Howard P. Willens, special counsel to the governor, with instructions from Fitial, undertook the preparation for the protocol.
“The current version of the protocol is intended to collect our policies for reference by all concerned in both the public and private sectors in the Commonwealth and by the responsible federal agencies,” said Willens in a Sept. 15 memorandum for Fitial.
The protocol aims to implement the transition smoothly with as little disruption and uncertainty as possible, keep families together and treat affected persons fairly, and minimize adverse consequences to the recovery of the CNMI economy.
It said the provisions of P.L. 110-229 are imprecise as to the way that the U.S. authorities are to interact with the CNMI authorities and DHS has not yet shared its views on most of the issues discussed in the protocol.
The protocol listed at least 28 CNMI laws about which pre-emption questions could be raised, and these include the organization of the Executive Branch, the Commonwealth Entry and Deportation Act, the Nonresident Worker's Act, the Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007, Excise tax and user fees, and the Commonwealth Minimum Wage and Hour Act.
Outsourcing of services
The Fitial administration has been preparing for discussion with CBP in Washington, D.C. on a proposal to outsource certain port of entry jobs to a private CNMI contractor.
The private contractor would employ current CNMI Division of Immigration employees and provide these employees to supplement CBP personnel assigned to the Commonwealth.
“The contractor personnel would work under the supervision of CBP onsite supervisors,” the protocol said.
Under P.L. 110-229, DHS will control and operate six ports of entry in the CNMI.
In the short term following the Nov. 28 transition, the CNMI intended to use the current Department of Labor workforce in dealing with the problems of employing U.S. citizens to the maximum extent possible.
Travel restrictions
The protocol also urges DHS to waive travel restrictions for foreign workers, foreign investors, and foreign students.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have announced that nonresidents will be prevented from returning to the CNMI if they lave the islands for medical, family, businesses or other reasons.
“That is unnecessary, highly damaging to the Commonwealth and its citizens, and unacceptable from the Commonwealth's point of view. DHS has authority to waive these restrictions and should do so,” the protocol said.
It added that anyone who holds a CNMI-issued permit or a federally-issued CNMI-only permit is not a threat to U.S. national security and should be allowed to continue employment if they leave the CNMI and return during the term of the permit.
The proposed E-2 CNMI investor status rule, published last week, provides the same travel restrictions to foreign investors.
Under the proposed regulations, the foreign investor must apply for a visa at a consulate or embassy in his home country and obtain a U.S. visa issued by the Department of State to be able to re-enter the CNMI.
PL 110-229 provides specifically that lawful permits issued to persons who wish to remain in the CNMI after Nov. 28, 2009 will be respected for the duration of the permit but not to exceed two years.
Permits
Local government agencies will continue to issue permits and extension until Nov. 27, 2009 for CNMI immigration categories, from 240A to 240Y, and other categories made necessary by the transition to federal immigration law.
For example, the Department of Commerce and the Division of Immigration will continue to issue regular-term business entry permits and extensions in the normal course until Nov. 27, 2009.
CNMI Immigration will issue two-year permits as of Nov. 27, 2009 to every alien who is a government employee and for whom the Office of Personnel Management certified a need for a two-year permit.
The local Immigration will also continue to issue visitor entry permits and extension in the normal course until Nov. 27, 2009.
The government intends to issue public notices and awareness campaign to disseminate information contained in the protocol.
Lynn Knight, a former chair of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HANMI), said the CNMI's protocol document is a “phenomenal undertaking on this incredibly complex issue.”
“Unfortunately, so many gray areas remain even at this late date. This is a pro-active effort to establish what should happen next on the working relationships and necessary details of the immigration takeover. I want to congratulate all those who contributed to the document and I certainly hope the federal officials who will have some role in this going forward will take the protocol very seriously,” said Knight, who used to be a communications liaison on immigration issues. She now lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
The Fitial administration first reported the creation of a public-private task force to ensure operational concerns are addressed related to the federalization transition, right after Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan changed his position by now supporting a delay in federalization.
Sablan said DHS is not ready to implement the law by Nov. 28, but DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said the department is prepared to control CNMI borders by the date set by law.
Monday, September 21, 2009
NEWS UPDATE:Homeland Security phasing in U.S. immigration in CNMI Nov. 28
NEWS UPDATE:Homeland Security phasing in U.S. immigration in CNMI Nov. 28
Pacific Daily News • September 22, 2009
The Northern Marianas will no longer be able to ask for further delay in the implementation of U.S. immigration law in the commonwealth.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is prepared to implement the border security components of P.L. 110-229 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by Nov. 28.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, and CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan today met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to discuss the implementation of the law that removes local authority over immigration in the CNMI.
Bordallo and Sablan met with Napolitano to continue to press for allowing mainland Chinese and Russian tourists a visa waiver to enter the commonwealth and Guam.
Napolitano assured Bordallo that she understood the economic impact that the exclusion of China and Russia from the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would have on the CNMI, which relies heavily on visitors from these markets, according to a press release from Bordallo's office.
Additionally, Napolitano stated, according to Bordallo's press release, "that Homeland Security is working in an expedited manner on a pathway forward, in advance of the Nov. 28 implementation date, to address the Guam-CNMI visitor industry issues."
Pacific Daily News • September 22, 2009
The Northern Marianas will no longer be able to ask for further delay in the implementation of U.S. immigration law in the commonwealth.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is prepared to implement the border security components of P.L. 110-229 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands by Nov. 28.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, and CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan today met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to discuss the implementation of the law that removes local authority over immigration in the CNMI.
Bordallo and Sablan met with Napolitano to continue to press for allowing mainland Chinese and Russian tourists a visa waiver to enter the commonwealth and Guam.
Napolitano assured Bordallo that she understood the economic impact that the exclusion of China and Russia from the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would have on the CNMI, which relies heavily on visitors from these markets, according to a press release from Bordallo's office.
Additionally, Napolitano stated, according to Bordallo's press release, "that Homeland Security is working in an expedited manner on a pathway forward, in advance of the Nov. 28 implementation date, to address the Guam-CNMI visitor industry issues."
Sunday, September 06, 2009
MVA: Delay federalization
Monday, 07 September 2009 00:00 By Gemma Q. Casas - Variety News Staff
THE board of directors of the Marianas Visitors Authority has adopted a resolution urging Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan to introduce legislation delaying indefinitely the law mandating the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to run the local immigration system, or until Russia and China are included in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.
The board said the ease of travel that Russian and Chinese tourists currently enjoy when visiting the territories should be continued even if the immigration system of the CNMI is federalized starting Nov. 28.
According to MVA, Russia and Chinese markets accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total tourists who visited the islands during fiscal year 2008.
“Based on this estimate and given a time frame of 12 months before the security measures are in place, the CNMI stands to lose $66,795,809 in direct impact and $218,371,673 in indirect impact. For islands that are dependent on a single industry — tourism — it is not difficult to imagine what this economic loss will have on the businesses and the people of the CNMI,” the MVA resolution reads.
“Considering the significant economic benefit of visitors from [China] and Russia, any interruption in their access to the NMI would have a detrimental and long-standing effect on the economy and the livelihood of the people,” the resolution further stated.
MVA Chairman Jerry Tan, Vice Chairwoman Marian Aldan-Pierce, treasurer Yoichi Matsumura, secretary Kazusuke Fukuju and members Emma Villagomez, Edward Maratita, Byung Kyu Park and Wayne Pangelinan signed the resolution which was then transmitted to Sablan, Bordallo and other U.S. lawmakers, including House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall, D-WV.
MVA said studies indicate that the CNMI should develop other niche markets because sophisticated and seasoned travelers from Japan are more than likely to travel outside of an organized tour and head to similar Asian tropical destinations that are priced cheaper and offer better sceneries than the islands.
DHS rejected the proposal to include Russia and China in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program citing security and political concerns as main reasons.
THE board of directors of the Marianas Visitors Authority has adopted a resolution urging Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan to introduce legislation delaying indefinitely the law mandating the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to run the local immigration system, or until Russia and China are included in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.
The board said the ease of travel that Russian and Chinese tourists currently enjoy when visiting the territories should be continued even if the immigration system of the CNMI is federalized starting Nov. 28.
According to MVA, Russia and Chinese markets accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total tourists who visited the islands during fiscal year 2008.
“Based on this estimate and given a time frame of 12 months before the security measures are in place, the CNMI stands to lose $66,795,809 in direct impact and $218,371,673 in indirect impact. For islands that are dependent on a single industry — tourism — it is not difficult to imagine what this economic loss will have on the businesses and the people of the CNMI,” the MVA resolution reads.
“Considering the significant economic benefit of visitors from [China] and Russia, any interruption in their access to the NMI would have a detrimental and long-standing effect on the economy and the livelihood of the people,” the resolution further stated.
MVA Chairman Jerry Tan, Vice Chairwoman Marian Aldan-Pierce, treasurer Yoichi Matsumura, secretary Kazusuke Fukuju and members Emma Villagomez, Edward Maratita, Byung Kyu Park and Wayne Pangelinan signed the resolution which was then transmitted to Sablan, Bordallo and other U.S. lawmakers, including House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall, D-WV.
MVA said studies indicate that the CNMI should develop other niche markets because sophisticated and seasoned travelers from Japan are more than likely to travel outside of an organized tour and head to similar Asian tropical destinations that are priced cheaper and offer better sceneries than the islands.
DHS rejected the proposal to include Russia and China in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program citing security and political concerns as main reasons.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Hocog wants indefinite delay of federalization
Friday, 06 February 2009 00:00 By Emmanuel T. Erediano - Variety News Staff
The House of Representatives adopted yesterday a resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to delay the implementation of federalization for 180 days.
But Rep. Victor B. Hocog, Ind.-Rota, said the CNMI needs more than 180 days to prepare for the economic losses that federalization will bring to the islands.
He said the CNMI should ask for an indefinite delay.
“ I will be more than happy to see that happen,” he said because it will give the CNMI more time to cushion the drastic economic downturn that will be ushered by stricter immigration rules.
Homeland Security, he said, should consider the economic downfall of the CNMI.
House Resolution 16-23 however, was adopted without Hocog’s proposed amendment.
The federalization law, which will take effect on June 1, allows only for a 180-day delay in its implementation.
According to the resolution, “the absence of any published rules and regulations regarding the transition program are creating a great deal of uncertainty and fear among citizenry, employees and employers as to how it will affect the work force, tourism and economy of the CNMI.”
The resolution stated that there is sufficient time to allow for critically significant and substantial public comments and consideration prior to June 1, 2009.
The transition, the resolution added, should be smooth and seamless as possible.
Congressional Delegate Gregorio C. Sablan, Ind.-MP, has made a similar request to Homeland Security.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, for his part, has a pending lawsuit against federalization.
The House of Representatives adopted yesterday a resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to delay the implementation of federalization for 180 days.
But Rep. Victor B. Hocog, Ind.-Rota, said the CNMI needs more than 180 days to prepare for the economic losses that federalization will bring to the islands.
He said the CNMI should ask for an indefinite delay.
“ I will be more than happy to see that happen,” he said because it will give the CNMI more time to cushion the drastic economic downturn that will be ushered by stricter immigration rules.
Homeland Security, he said, should consider the economic downfall of the CNMI.
House Resolution 16-23 however, was adopted without Hocog’s proposed amendment.
The federalization law, which will take effect on June 1, allows only for a 180-day delay in its implementation.
According to the resolution, “the absence of any published rules and regulations regarding the transition program are creating a great deal of uncertainty and fear among citizenry, employees and employers as to how it will affect the work force, tourism and economy of the CNMI.”
The resolution stated that there is sufficient time to allow for critically significant and substantial public comments and consideration prior to June 1, 2009.
The transition, the resolution added, should be smooth and seamless as possible.
Congressional Delegate Gregorio C. Sablan, Ind.-MP, has made a similar request to Homeland Security.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, for his part, has a pending lawsuit against federalization.
Friday, July 27, 2007
TopOff4
Feds want Guam to foot the bill for TopOFF 4 exercise
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff
July 26, 2007
EXPENSES for the TOPOFF 4 Full-Scale Exercise slated in October is likely to reach about $10 million and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security hints that the government of Guam might have to foot the bill, Sen. Frank Blas Jr., R-Barrigada, said yesterday.
"But where will GovGuam pull the money?" Blas asked, noting that Guam received only a $2.2 million grant from DHS for homeland security management this year.
"Whatever amount that we take out of the grant to pay for the exercise would mean less money that we can use for the actual purpose of the grant," Blas said in a long-distance phone interview.
Blas, a former homeland security advisor, and his successor Dennis Santo Tomas, are in Washington., D.C. meeting with DHS officials to discuss the TopOff 4 Exercise, which will be held on Guam from Oct. 15 to 24.
TOPOFF 4 is the nation's premier terrorism preparedness training that will involve more than 15,000 participants representing federal, state, territorial, local entities and international observers.
Among the incidental expenses for the exercise are personnel cost, security, props, power, transportation, lodging and food.
"Initially, they said they would take care of these. Now they are saying they won't be able to take care of these," Blas said. "Unfortunately since then, DHS has pulled back saying they had procurement problems on their end."
When he was the governor's homeland security advisor, Blas met with his federal counterparts in November last year to work on a memorandum of understanding pertaining to the federal government's financial responsibility.
"Although there has been continued discussion over the last two and a half years as to who would be financially responsible for what, DHS has yet to come to any decision on their end as to what they will be able to pay for," Blas said.
Blas's and Santo Tomas's meeting with DHS will continue over the next two days.
"Guam has continually pushed this issue and with the exercise just three months away, we would like for DHS to resolve this issue so that it does not continue to be a major point of contention," he added.
TOPOFF 4 participants will engage in various activities as part of a robust, full-scale simulated response to a multi-faceted threat. The exercise will address policy and strategic issues that mobilize prevention and response systems, require participants to make difficult decisions, carry out essential functions, and challenge their ability to maintain a common operating picture during an incident of national significance.
The exercise is based on National Planning Scenario 11, which begins with terrorists, who have been planning attacks in Oregon, Arizona, and Guam, successfully bringing in radioactive material into the United States.
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff
July 26, 2007
EXPENSES for the TOPOFF 4 Full-Scale Exercise slated in October is likely to reach about $10 million and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security hints that the government of Guam might have to foot the bill, Sen. Frank Blas Jr., R-Barrigada, said yesterday.
"But where will GovGuam pull the money?" Blas asked, noting that Guam received only a $2.2 million grant from DHS for homeland security management this year.
"Whatever amount that we take out of the grant to pay for the exercise would mean less money that we can use for the actual purpose of the grant," Blas said in a long-distance phone interview.
Blas, a former homeland security advisor, and his successor Dennis Santo Tomas, are in Washington., D.C. meeting with DHS officials to discuss the TopOff 4 Exercise, which will be held on Guam from Oct. 15 to 24.
TOPOFF 4 is the nation's premier terrorism preparedness training that will involve more than 15,000 participants representing federal, state, territorial, local entities and international observers.
Among the incidental expenses for the exercise are personnel cost, security, props, power, transportation, lodging and food.
"Initially, they said they would take care of these. Now they are saying they won't be able to take care of these," Blas said. "Unfortunately since then, DHS has pulled back saying they had procurement problems on their end."
When he was the governor's homeland security advisor, Blas met with his federal counterparts in November last year to work on a memorandum of understanding pertaining to the federal government's financial responsibility.
"Although there has been continued discussion over the last two and a half years as to who would be financially responsible for what, DHS has yet to come to any decision on their end as to what they will be able to pay for," Blas said.
Blas's and Santo Tomas's meeting with DHS will continue over the next two days.
"Guam has continually pushed this issue and with the exercise just three months away, we would like for DHS to resolve this issue so that it does not continue to be a major point of contention," he added.
TOPOFF 4 participants will engage in various activities as part of a robust, full-scale simulated response to a multi-faceted threat. The exercise will address policy and strategic issues that mobilize prevention and response systems, require participants to make difficult decisions, carry out essential functions, and challenge their ability to maintain a common operating picture during an incident of national significance.
The exercise is based on National Planning Scenario 11, which begins with terrorists, who have been planning attacks in Oregon, Arizona, and Guam, successfully bringing in radioactive material into the United States.
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