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SAIPAN/AGATNA, July 15, 2024 (Marianas Variety) – The Mariana Islands Legislative Association (MILA) has passed a resolution seeking to replace the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ foreign worker program with the Mariana Joint Visa to meet the unique needs of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
MILA unanimously passed Resolution 2-GA-05, introduced by CNMI Rep. Ed Propst on Friday during the second day of the MILA General Assembly at the Guam Capitol in Agana.
Propst’s resolution also recommends the creation of a Commonwealth Marianas Regional Commission to streamline federal programs focused on infrastructure, transportation, workforce development, military buildup, climate and environmental risks and other priority concerns for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.
The resolution includes a provision requiring that any costs associated with the proposed Marianas visa program not leave Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and instead be used for workforce development training in both territories.
Propst said the matter is urgent because the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Transitional Worker Program, commonly known as the CW-1 Program, is set to end on December 29, 2029.
Temporary demand waivers for certain H2B workers in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will also expire on the same day.
The CW-1 program is capped at 13,000 workers, decreasing by 1,000 per year. In fiscal year 2025, the CW-1 cap will be set at 9,000 and will not authorize the hiring of extractive and construction workers.
The expected relocation of about 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, which is expected to begin later this year, has caused housing prices on Guam to soar, raising concerns that Guam residents will now be unable to pay rent or build new homes.
Brown said including the local construction industry among the beneficiaries of the proposed Marianas visa would allow Guam residents to carry out construction projects, large or small.
Sen. Celina R. Babauta also spoke in support of the resolution and urged Guam lawmakers to join the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas in its efforts and support it.
The non-binding resolution was one of several adopted by the General Assembly and sent to the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress… PACNEWS
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