Hosting FAS citizens costs CNMI $12 M

Housing and providing education and medical services to migrants from the Freely Associated States has cost the CNMI government close to $12 million in 1998, according to preliminary figures from the government.

The figures were released ahead of talks between FAS and the United States on the Compact of Free Association, which provided for an open migration policy.

The accord, signed in 1986, has allowed FAS citizens unrestricted entry to the US mainland and its territories, including the Northern Marianas and Guam. It also provides reimbursement for the expenses that will be incurred by host territories for accommodating nationals from neighboring islands.

According to Michael S. Sablan, special advisor on budget and finance to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, the figures were just tentative and that a final report prepared by the FAS Compact-Impact Evaluation Committee will be released by the end of the month.

The preliminary estimate, which reflects a decline from the 1997 expenses of $12.8 million, covers health, education and public safety, he said.

Sablan said in Fiscal 1992 the local government received some $400,000 million in technical assistance from Washington to cover partial payment for the Compact-Impact cost, but he said the grant was “inadequate.”

With revenue collections continue to plunge, the financially-troubled Commonwealth has been pushing to collect the unpaid reimbursements to help it cope with the burgeoning responsibilities of providing shelter to thousands of FAS migrants.

A proposal has been introduced in the House of Representatives seeking to restrict the migration of FAS citizens into the Northern Marianas in view of the non-payment by Washington of the millions of dollars in reimbursements.

The bill, authored by Rep. Melvin Faisao, seeks to establish a mechanism to monitor the entry of Micronesians, as well as reduce their impact on local funds and encourage them to return to the work force.

While the CNMI has yet to determine actual costs, local officials maintain these immigrants have drained local resources and burdened the limited infrastructure.

For example, about 76 out of the 238 Micronesian families are being assisted under the Section 8 program of the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation which grant utility and housing subsidies.