174 illegals step forward for immunity

One hundred seventy-four overstaying aliens applied for limited immunity at the Department of Labor and Immigration under an amnesty program that went into effect yesterday allowing them to legalize their status.

According to Jeff Camacho, acting director for labor, some of the applicants were even accompanied by their employers, who are willing to provide them with lawful jobs.

“It was a good turnout,” Camacho said, “We hope more will avail of the program so they can get lawful employment,” he added, as he assured aliens seeking amnesty that they will be spared from arrest.

Chinese nationals account for 50 percent of the illegals applying for amnesty, followed by Bangladeshis at 42, then Filipinos at 33. Seven Sri Lankans, three Koreans and a Nepalese also sought limited immunity.

“So far all of those who applied are eligible to the program,” Camacho said.

Under a threat of federal takeover, the program granting amnesty to thousands of overstaying foreigners was put in place to address concerns raised by Washington over the growing presence of guest workers in the Northern Marianas.

Officials are expecting close between 1,000 and 2,000 illegal aliens to avail of the limited immunity in six months and seek lawful employment in CNMI. Some lawmakers placed the number of overstayers to at least 5,000.

The federal government, worried over mounting labor problems and increasing number of babies born to guest workers who later acquire US citizenship, has been pushing to take away local control of immigration and labor.

Non-resident workers, tourists, students, missionaries or holders of short or long-term business permits who have entered the commonwealth on or before January 1, 1998 are eligible to avail of the program.

However, illegals facing deportation, subject of a bench warrant for failure to appear in a deportation proceeding, or convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors of a crime involving moral turpitude are not covered by the law.

Those who qualify for amnesty will be issued limited immunity temporary work authorization to enable them find jobs within 90 days. Eligible aliens will be charged $100 for LITWA which will go the Deportation Fund, money to be used to repatriate applicants who failed secure a one-year work permit.

Employers who will hire LITWA holders must seek approval of the department following procedures provided in the Non-resident Workers Act within 90 days from the date of issuance of the LITWA.

Workers will be required to undergo health screening in accordance with the regulations put in place by the Department of Public Health. Employers must shoulder fees for medical tests, health certificates and processing of one year work permit.