CNMI backs Guam’s bid for tighter immigration control • Streams of illegal Chinese nationals hurt US Pacific territories

Northern Marianas lawmakers pledged support on Friday to a plan by Guam to seek U.S. congressional approval in its attempt to control its immigration following the flood of illegal Chinese immigrants into the territory.

They expect to co-sign a position paper to be submitted to the Congress in which Guam begins the legislative process of taking over its immigration from federal authority, while the Northern Marianas reiterates the need to retain its powers.

According to Rep. Karl T. Reyes, this forthcoming joint statement will also be tied to a new legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii). (see related story)

Reyes flew to Guam last Friday, along with House Speaker Diego T. Benavente, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes and Rep. Herman Palacios to meet with their counterparts.

At least six Guam senators attended the four-hour meeting which kicked off discussion on the possible common stance of the two neighboring islands on matters affecting their immigration.

Being a commonwealth, the Northern Marianas administers its own immigration and labor standards — authorities which are controlled by U.S. federal agencies on Guam.

The meeting was prompted by the recent surge of undocumented aliens from China who have attempted to enter Guam illegally through the backdoor. The situation has strained local resources and cause overcrowding in its limited facilities.

At least 2,000 illegals on Guam are awaiting decision by U.S. Department of Justice on whether they can be granted asylum.

The Commonwealth has also accepted close to 500 undocumented aliens into the two temporary shelters set up by federal authorities on Tinian after their boats, believed to be heading to Guam, were intercepted on international waters and later diverted to the CNMI.

Reyes said Guam’s crisis has underscored the need to continue immigration control by the CNMI where there is no asylum program for potential refugees.

“This is what the Guam senators want — to control their immigration and deal with the illegals coming in,” the representative said in a telephone interview yesterday.

With the joint statement, Reyes stressed “we just want to show the Congress that the whole of Marianas support (Guam’s plan to seek control).”