On illegal Chinese immigrants Teno raises security concerns

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday met with US Immigration and Naturalization Service to seek stronger cooperation in dealing with illegal Chinese immigrants, as he expressed concern over potential security threat their presence may pose to the community.

Over 300 undocumented Chinese, apprehended by the US Coast Guard while attempting to enter Guam illegally, are housed temporarily in the “tent city” in Northfield, a former American airbase on Tinian, and their growing presence has alarmed residents of the island municipality because of its security implication.

According to the governor, CNMI has requested the INS to fence the holding station to avoid any untoward incident and possible escape of illegal aliens, situations that could complicate immigration problems confronting the island government.

Tenorio underscored the need to reinforce security while the repatriation of the Chinese illegal remain uncertain and warned that the Commonwealth may have to weigh its position regarding the hosting of the undocumented aliens unless this issue is addressed.

“We’d like to make sure that the area is secured. If we can’t maintain the security, we don’t have any choice but to ask them to reconsider,” the governor said.

In yesterday’s meeting, the CNMI leader said INS representatives indicated that they were still unsure when repatriation would start despite plans to divert vessels that would be caught in the future.

“We don’t have yet any idea when they will be repatriated back to China…we tried to pose the question but nobody from INS can say when they can come up with the exact date,” Tenorio said.

Guam has sought the help of Washington in addressing the stream of illegal Chinese immigrants seeking entry into the US territory which has crowded its immigration holding centers.

Officials say more boats carrying Chinese nationals looking for jobs and greener pastures are expected to flood the neighboring island because of calm weather.

Since early this month, Guam has seen the incursion of boatloads of Chinese illegals, believed to be victims of human smuggling. Hagatna’s Division of Corrections is presently home to over 500 illegal immigrants.

At the same time, the governor said there was an agreement to appoint a representative from the INS and the Department of Labor and Immigration in order to synchronize efforts in handling the Chinese illegals.