Previous Story
Alien workers to hold welcome rally for visiting federal officials
|
Posted on Jun 09 2008
An organization of alien workers will spearhead a rally today at the American Memorial Park to welcome visiting federal officials on the island.
Human Dignity Movement president Jerry Custodio told Saipan Tribune yesterday that they are inviting all foreign workers of different nationalities to attend the welcome rally, which will begin at 10am.
“We will ask the federal officials for fair protection and treatment, justice to long-term workers, payment of unpaid wages in Labor administrative orders and for improved immigration status,” Custodio said.
He said their group will be supported by the Coalition of United Workers (NMI) led by Irene Tantiado.
Custodio said they are planning to march near Hyatt Regency Hotel where Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Doug Domenech is reportedly staying.
He said they are hoping that Domenech or any other federal officials will talk to them so they could hand over their petition for improved immigration status and show them documents regarding the $6.1 million in unpaid wages and damages owed hundreds of alien workers.
Custodio said they will disperse at 8pm.
Pete A. Tenorio, CNMI’s resident representative to Washington D.C., earlier disclosed that federal officials will visit the Commonwealth this week for the initial talks on the U.S. government’s takeover of local immigration control.
Tenorio said a team of officials from the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Labor is expected to meet with the Fitial administration, the Legislature, and the business community regarding the new immigration law.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial also announced last week that Department of the Interior officials, including Domenech and Office of Insular Affairs Director Nikolao Pula, will be here this week.
