Hosting of illegal aliens sparks debate in the House • Rep. Jones suggests bringing undocumented Chinese nationals to other Micronesian islands

The House of Representatives yesterday adopted a resolution supporting efforts by the Clinton Administration to raise more funds to reimburse the Northern Marianas for expenditures incurred from hosting illegal Chinese immigrants on the island.

The move followed Monday’s arrival of a new boat carrying 151 undocumented aliens from mainland China, which was diverted to Tinian by U.S. authorities when it attempted to enter the Marianas territorial waters.

Sponsored by Rep. Manuel A. Tenorio, the resolution expressed support to White House’s efforts to increase funding to help Guam and the CNMI deal with the immigration crisis spawned by the wave of illegal aliens entering the U.S. territory.

Its adoption provoked a debate during the House session yesterday when Rep. Dino Jones questioned the assistance extended by the CNMI to Washington in hosting these people.

He said the government does not have sufficient resources to help federal authorities address this problem, adding that Washington should consider bringing them to other Micronesian islands.

But House Speaker Diego T. Benavente defended the Tenorio administration, saying CNMI is still part of the United States and must provide assistance as requested by the central government.

“It’s a matter of national concern that we should take part of,” he told members. “Uncle Sam is still our uncle.”

Rep. David M. Apatang also called on legislators to stop bickering on the issue and instead support Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s decision to get involve with the problems of the neighboring island.

Rep. Rosiky Camacho, on the other hand, raised fear that the Voice of America may have encouraged PROC nationals to seek asylum here as he has received report that the federally-owned radio broadcast has been sending propaganda to China that Marianas “is a free world.”

At least six boats carrying more than 600 illegal immigrants have arrived on Tinian over the past four months to take refuge in makeshift shelters set up by both CNMI and federal authorities on the island while awaiting repatriation.

The CNMI has asked Washington to reimburse more than half-a-million dollars representing unpaid charges, such as overtime pay for local personnel called for the operations, during the first two months of hosting these people on Tinian.

While they have yet to receive reimbursement, the governor is confident that the Clinton Administration would meet its obligations. The island government has been using its deportation funds to provide for the needs on Tinian.