PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Senator Judi Guthertz

HAGATNA, Guam (Marianas Variety, Oct. 11) – I introduced Resolution 80, which was publicly heard yesterday, to express the [Guam] Legislature’s opposition to two bills before Congress, H.R. 3079, the "Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security and Labor Act," and S.B. 1634, the "Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Implementation Act."

Both bills would "federalize" the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands immigration process, in violation of the terms of their Covenant with the United States. I have always believed the Covenant to be a legal and binding contract, and this move by Congress violates at least the intent, if not the terms, of this agreement between two entities.

Several Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands elected officials, including Lt. Governor Timothy Villagomez, Senator Pete Reyes and Representative Absalon Waki Jr., presented testimony, and were unanimous in their opposition to the legislation.

These bills include provisions that could have an adverse impact on the quality of life of everyone in Guam, especially the indigenous Chamorros. If H.R. 3079 and S.B. 1634 were to become law, nonimmigrant workers who have been legally admitted to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including their spouses and children, could be granted U.S. "nonimmigrant status" if they have legally resided in the Commonwealth for the five years prior to the date the legislation is enacted.

By granting them nonimmigrant status, these workers would have legal authorization to enter the U.S., including Guam. If even half of the 15,000 to 20,000 foreign workers residing in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands came to Guam, our government services would be stretched to their limits and beyond.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands would also be adversely affected. Lt. Governor Villagomez testified, "These bills are unnecessary. They are legally deficient. They would cripple, perhaps permanently, the already depressed economy of the Commonwealth."

He went on to say, "enactment of this legislation will be a serious blow to our recovery efforts. In addition to the uncertainty and confusion that is likely to result, there is the additional factor of the increased costs to our local businesses resulting from federalization." He estimated the increase to be from about US$400 to over US$2,500.

Senator Reyes was equally concerned, testifying that, "If the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ immigration is federalized, it will forever change the Commonwealth’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. There is a natural tendency for people to seek better opportunities for their families and Guam offers those possibilities with the recent expected deployment of the military from Okinawa to Guam."

Representative Waki presented a draft House Joint Resolution that he intends to introduce. It states that the 15th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature "hereby acknowledges and supports Resolution No. 80 of the Guam Legislature and urges all recipients of that resolution to seriously consider its contents."

In addition to the delegation from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a number of members of I Nasion Chamoru appeared and testified, unanimous in their assertion that the bills before Congress would not be beneficial for the people of Guam.

We all know that Guam is an attractive port of entry into the U.S. because of our location and accessibility from Asia. Because of our economic advantages as compared with the other islands in our area, as well as our status as the gateway to Micronesia, we have been the recipients of a huge wave of Micronesian nonimmigrant migration since the federal government approved the Compacts of Free Association.

Despite promises, the federal government has never fully reimbursed the Government of Guam for expenses related to Compact citizens. Any increase in nonimmigrant migration will continue to negatively affect our ability to provide basic public safety, health, education, and human services to all of our island’s residents.

While I support legal immigration based on existing federal laws, non-immigrant workers should not be given a free pass.

Dr. Judi Guthertz studied in the Philippines but has lived on Guam all her life. She is a retired professor and dean of the University of Guam’s Business and Public Administration. She now serves as a Democratic Senator representing Mangilao in Guam.

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