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Taking stock of supremacy of laws
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Posted on Sep 19 2004
We fiddle around with federal authority on the issuance of student visas solely the purview of U.S. Immigration. We do so as to ignore the supremacy of laws on this and other issues.
The supremacy of laws comes in descending order: federal, state and territories. A glimpse into pertinent Covenant provision says where local law conflict with federal law, the latter prevails. It’s mind-boggling how we have attempted to usurp such federal authority.
If you recall, last year more than 20,000 foreign students were denied visas to colleges and universities across the country. It demonstrates that only U.S. Immigration can issue such visa. The NMI must steer clear of its tendency to assume what’s rightfully the purview of the federal government.
Regarding statelessness, lest we forget this archipelago is now Americana! That we may have failed to take heed of changes in paradigms since 1978 doesn’t grant any of us the adolescent authority to deny our friends their rights to pursue their dreams. If it means challenging the shortsightedness of the Covenant Agreement, then let it be.
With magnanimity, local and federal authorities must descend on this issue with the view to resolving the frustrating dilemma of our friends. While we had to endure a waiting period up to 1986, none of us was denied employment and other benefits then. They had to endure such frustration in the long journey to attaining justice.
I notice too that many who are caught this unintended situation are young and promising people. Resolving their status would set them up for skills acquisition so they eventually become productive members of this community.
The NMI needs as many educated and skilled people in its work force to fulfill its commitment to fostering a partnership with friends from near and far in making these islands a better place for one and all. Si yuus maase.
John S. DelRosario, Jr.
Koblerville
