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Administration backs immunity bill
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Posted on Apr 29 2002
The Babauta administration expressed support to a legislative measure that seeks to grant limited immunity to illegally staying aliens in the Commonwealth, as Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente recognized the contributions of Filipino workers, especially to the local economy.
Benavente made the statement in an interview at the Dai-Ichi Hotel Saturday, where he was guest to an affair hosted by the United Filipino Organization, the umbrella group of registered Filipino associations in the CNMI.
Filipinos in the Commonwealth account for the bulk of its population and workforce. If illegally staying aliens are given the chance to register without being prosecuted, the benefit would trickle down to the Filipino community, since it is believed that there are Filipinos staying illegally in the CNMI.
The House Subcommittee on Labor and Immigration, chaired by Rep. Herman T. Palacios, has introduced House Bill 13-103, which would provide the period of limited immunity for illegal aliens so they can report themselves to the Department of Labor and Immigration and become lawfully employed in the CNMI.
The subcommittee recognized that the number of illegal aliens in the Commonwealth has been increasing.
Besides safeguarding these aliens from prosecution, such a measure would allow the aliens to become lawfully employed. According to Palacios, this in effect would benefit the CNMI, by allowing employment positions to be filled in considering its small local work force.
The DOLI implemented Public Law 11-33, also known as the Limited Immunity Act, sometime in December 1998, for a period of six months.
The number of illegal aliens in the Commonwealth then was estimated at 5,000, although its actual number was not known.
Based on records earlier released to the Saipan Tribune by Labor enforcement officer Jeff Camacho, a total of 3,125 illegal aliens registered within the allowed period. Of this number, 2,264 registrants were able to secure work permits.
