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‘This is good news for our island’
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang expressed enthusiasm over the recent passage of the Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act, describing the development as “a great deal” for the CNMI’s developing economy.
“It’s really great for the whole CNMI. I just hope the Senate moves on the bill as fast as they can so we can have that relief for our foreign workers,” he said.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the proposed act last June 5. It will now be voted on by the U.S. Senate and, if passed, would make its way to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Apatang said the loss of foreign workers, especially in the hotel industry, could cripple the CNMI economy.
“We’re seeing a lot of the hotel industries now that are suffering…A lot of the CW workers have left and they’re struggling to replace these workers that have left,” he said.
The United Filipino Organization, which has also been closely monitoring the bill’s status, was overjoyed with the bill’s passage in the U.S. House.
“We are glad…and we are very thankful…all praises to the CNMI leadership and to those who made an excellent effort to make this happen,” said UFO president Marlon Regaton.
