Fitial asks DHS for new visa category

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has asked U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to study the feasibility of a new visa category specifically for the CNMI, a request that’s allowed in the law that placed CNMI immigration under federal control.

The requested visa is called the CNMI-only visa category for retirees.

“Outside of obtaining an immigrant visa to retire and remain in the U.S. (CNMI) for lengthy and/or indefinite periods, with this letter we would respectfully request the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and investigate the creation of a CNMI-visa category for retirees,” Fitial told Napolitano.

As of yesterday, the Fitial administration has yet to receive a response from the DHS secretary.

Fitial cited a provision in PL 110-229 or the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 which would allow for the governors of the CNMI and/or Guam to request the DHS secretary for new visa categories “under which our plans and investments for retirement communities would still be viable under the new federal immigration authority.”

Douglas Brennan, president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, said this visa category “could be the seed we plant to grow Asian retirement communities in the Commonwealth.”

It was the Chamber that requested the governor to ask the DHS secretary for a feasibility study aimed at creating a special CNMI-only retirement visa classification.

Fitial said many business and civic organizations have identified the Asian retiree market as a natural economic extension or progression, based upon the CNMI’s current visitor demographics.

There are still sizable investments in the CNMI from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and other Asian countries.

“The CNMI administration values the worth of these past investments and economic development from our Asian neighbors and believes retirement communities will be a key facet to our economic revitalization as envisioned under Public Law 110-229,” Fitial added.

Geothermal energy

In other news, Fitial met yesterday with his Strategic Economic Development Council, lawmakers, private sector representatives, and other government officials on Capital Hill for a presentation on geothermal energy from Chena Hot Springs owner Bernie Karl.

Fitial attended in August a renewable energy fair in Alaska at Karl’s invitation.

In 2006, Karl installed a geothermal power system at the resort he owns in Alaska and earned additional green credentials.

Press secretary Angel Demapan said that yesterday’s meeting only involved a geothermal presentation by Karl.

“He shared with the group the successes of geothermal energy as implemented in Chena within Fairbanks, Alaska. Basically, Mr. Karl shared how from the production of geothermal energy, its byproducts, such as water, can also be used to operate successful greenhouses.that are able to grow fresh fruits and vegetables all year round despite a climate that sees mostly winter,” Demapan said.

Brennan later said that Karl’s presentation was interesting. “Reduction of utility costs is important too,” he said, adding that it is an integral facet of the fragile economy.