CNMI permanent residents

[I]Buenas.[/I] It’s been months since the United States took over the CNMI. There were lots of issues. Many were affected and lots had to follow the U.S. immigration laws and rules, which is the same as being on U.S. soil. As with other countries, immigration rules are different, strict, and restricted to people of other countries for reasons. Everyone had to do what we all have to do.

The CNMI has some 300 foreign people that have been residing here who were granted back in 1985 a “Permanent Resident” status—only for those who were here during those U.S. Trust Territory time before 1978 when Saipan became the Commonwealth. Then immigration and naturalization chief Richard J. Keatley was in charge at the time. A card was issued to all those who were qualified by presenting a proof and affidavit that the individual was here before the transition to Commonwealth. The rightful holder of that card was not required to register as an alien. This card was used to enter the CNMI like a passport from then on. These people are the ones you know for more than three to four decades, who have been actually living here, speaks Chamorro, grew up here, and might be your best friend. You will be surprised to know who these people are. Currently, they are residing here by registering for parole and paid a fee to continue their employment. There are no clear solutions to the continuity of their ability to “stay home.” Deporting these people to their country is like sending them to their origin to make them homeless. It will force them to leave their homes and let them start all over.

I am sure that most of our politicians, U.S. immigration officials, and the one’s in charge are not aware about this. USCIS or U.S. immigration probably won’t even dare recognize this. I met one of my long time friend, a member of the Legislature, rapping jokes, talking and laughing as usual. Popped about this and didn’t know what this was. He always thought I was a U.S. citizen.

According to USCIS, the latest update was that these 300 individuals will (probably) have to keep renewing by the expiration date, pay $380 to work and to travel, apply for another parole to travel and pay $300 so that they can return back to the CNMI (home) and be able to work legally and not be treated as a visitor or tourist. Currently, these people have to do so to travel so that they can return home legally.

Last words are that there have been no updates for these people that I should say are locals. As far as I know, none of our local government people have taken any actions on this. My opinion is that they don’t know about this kind of people who the CNMI immigration or government granted status. Then after more than three decades, these people are now considered an alien under the U.S. law. Isn’t this irresponsible treatment of people who speak, eat, live, blend, contribute, and etc. to our community? Since no one is speaking up, I had to bring this up. Hope whoever this may concern, I think it’s about time you should do something about these people of the CNMI.

[B]Kazunori Ikeda[/B] [I]Gualo Rai, Saipan[/I]