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Torres eyes visa waiver for foreign students
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Posted on Dec 15 2008
The chairman of the House Committee on Health, Education, and Welfare is looking into the concerns of many foreign students on Saipan who will likely be affected by the implementation of federalization in the CNMI in June 2009.
In an interview, Rep. Ralph DLG. Torres said yesterday that he is studying the possibility of proposing a visa waiver for students to address the issue of foreign students coming to the Commonwealth.
The lawmaker said the Legislature may request the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to consider the waiver for foreign students.
“That’s one thing that we’re looking at and in fact that was brought to my attention over the weekend—how the sponsorship applies,” he said.
Torres said there is a possibility that foreign students who are currently studying at the Northern Marianas College, Public School Systems and other private schools may not continue their studies or may be released from schools after June 2009.
Torres said the issue was brought to his attention by some NMC officials during the college’s Christmas party last Friday.
“The problem is entering Saipan’s immigration, even if the [parents] can afford sponsorships,” he said. “We’re also looking into foreign investments. The students coming here are part of foreign investments. Currently, if you invest here, if you are a foreign investor, you can bring in your kids to go to school here.”
Torres noted that most of these investors are Koreans who come with their children.
“I’m not certain as to what is the impact after June 1, if they are also considered,” he added.
