Comments on provisions of S. 1052

– CNMI must actively participate in the formulation of standards provided in the legislation on which the U.S. Attorney General will base his recommendation for federal takeover of local immigration.

– It gives the Attorney General the sole power to make what is essentially a subjective finding: institutional capability and genuine commitment.

– The irony of this determination/finding process is that President Clinton’s Administration has already determined for itself that CNMI does not pass those criteria.

– The 10-year transition program proposed is too short, too rigid, and insensitive to the unique circumstances and needs of the CNMI, particularly with respect to sustaining a viable economy that would make the island less dependent on federal grants.

– It will permit a limited number of temporary workers for 10 years, allow admission of additional workers but only as permanent immigrants. This is contrary to the Covenant which aims to limit the number of permanent immigrants to the CNMI so that the local, indigenous population will not be displaced by any large number of permanent immigrants.