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Grey says no indication that local Immigration officers will be hired
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Posted on May 04 2008
The federalization bill is not clear whether local Immigration officers will be hired once the federal government takes over, according to Division of Immigration director Melvin Grey.
In an interview with Saipan Tribune after Friday’s State of the Commonwealth Address, Grey said nobody can commit that local Immigration officers will be employed once NMI immigration will be placed under federal control.
Grey said while the wording in the bill gives priority consideration of hiring locals to fill up the positions, nobody would tell what the standards are going to be.
The director underscored the need to have them informed about the standards to the staff members can get prepared for that.
“So we have no idea. The wording priority consideration is so weak…without giving us the standards to tell us what it is so we be prepared for it,” he pointed out.
Grey said local Immigration officers should be employed because they have the experience.
“There is no reason why they can’t,” said the director, adding that local officers should be given background check, send to school under the program and be on the job.
The omnibus bill that extends federal immigration laws to CNMI is now reportedly with President Bush. It is expected to be signed into law within 10 days.
With respect to Fitial’s SOCA, Grey he is impressed with the governor because he has done things and get things to happen.
“He is just not talking about ideas. I think it is very commendable under the stress he has with the economic situation,” Grey said.
On Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio’s State of the Washington Office Report, the director said “it’s a little bit weak.”
“I just don’t see any accomplishments. Only ideas and recognition that things need to be done,” Grey said.
