Blanco: Prioritize criminalizing illegal recruitment of workers

Rep. Ivan A. Blanco (R-Saipan) stressed the importance of holding accountable employers that would use illegal means to bring in foreign workers in the CNMI. That’s why House Bill 20-57, which he authored and drafted with the help of the Governor’s Office, would impose penalties for illegal employment and entry.

He said that HB 20-57 is in response to the recent events that had some federal agencies getting involved in investigations of illegal recruitment and bringing in tourists to work in the Commonwealth.

Blanco added it is important to penalize people who assist and encourage the use of foreign workers in illegal immigration and unlawful employment activities.

HB 20-57, if it becomes a law, would give the CNMI Department of Labor to impose penalties and impose provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. “Particularly Section 274, which criminalizes activities relating to the smuggling, transport, or harboring of unauthorized aliens,” said Blanco.

Blanco added HB 20-57 is a proactive approach to initial incidents involving MCC International’s alleged unlawful employment practice of bringing in tourists to work here in the CNMI.

“This bill was drafted immediately following the first details of illegal immigration and unlawful employment here in the CNMI and before they were brought to light in the local media. The bill’s intent is to address and prevent future incidents that threaten both our national security and our economy,” he said.

Blanco, through the Congressional Research Service report, found out INA would allow states and local law enforcement to arrests anyone who violated Section 274. The CNMI follows federal immigration laws and is barred to enact its local laws.

HB 20-57 is in line with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly where the CNMI chief executive is asking the federal agency to authorize local enforcement to implement federal immigration statutes.

“The Legislature fully supports Gov. Torres’ goal of cracking down on those violating immigration and labor laws that threatens our ongoing economic growth,” said Blanco.

“The Governor’s Office and the Legislature are cognizant of these problems and remain committed to making sure we hold these companies accountable and reiterate our belief that we do not tolerate these types of illegal practices in any shape or form.”

Torres said he supports Blanco’s bill since it is for the safety of the people of the CNMI. “As a policymaker you are tasked with the responsibility to not only realize the problems our islands’ face, but work toward a solution. I thank Rep. Blanco on this vitally important issue and for his willingness to work collaboratively to ensure our laws allow the government the tools to crack down on this harmful practice.”