The Northern Marianas Senate's public hearings on the U.S. Department of the Interior's recommendations to grant improved status to some 20,000 foreign workers in the territory will be open to everyone, regardless of immigration status and nationality.
The Senate president, Paul Manglona, says anyone can attend the public hearings, whether they're indigenous Chamorros and Carolinians, foreign workers, employers, employees, or students.
Mr Manglona says the schedule of the public hearings will be finalised this week.
The Senate will conduct hearings on Saipan, Tinian and Rota to gauge views on the recommendations to grant long-term status to foreign workers who have been legally residing in the CNMI for at least five years.
The CNMI Government is strongly opposed to the change in status.
