14 Sep 2011

CNMI workers to lobby US for status upgrade

8:10 am on 14 September 2011

The United Workers Movement in the Northern Mariana Islands will lobby U.S. lawmakers and federal officials to grant improved status to non-resident workers who have been in the CNMI for at least five years.

Non-resident workers in the CNMI are now seeking employment, or assurances from employers, after new visa rules were announced last week.

Its president, Rabby Syed, says he's concerned, as his group represents thousands of foreign workers competing for jobs in a tough economy.

He is travelling to Washington D.C. at the end of the month to try and get non-residents improved immigration status, like a 'green card' or pathway to citizenship, as their chances of securing employment would be much higher.

"We are asking President Obama to use his administrative authority to issue a parole-in-place for all the alien workers in the CNMI, until the U.S. Congress takes any action."