Proposal to tap immigration expert axed

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio on Friday thumbed down suggestion from legislators to hire an outside immigration law expert who will assist the Commonwealth in proposing reform measures in the U.S. Congress in lieu of federal takeover legislation.

“I’d rather see that legislation be introduced here in the CNMI,” he told reporters after meeting with members of the House Federal and Foreign Relations Committee where the proposal was broached.

“I don’t think the committee will do that — they are proposing to draft legislation for the federal government. I will not make recommendation or suggestion (on that proposal),” added Tenorio.

But he assured the committee that his administration would consider their position when Commonwealth leaders face the U.S. Senate Energy and Resources Committee on July 27 to testify before the scheduled oversight hearing.

This is in line with the pending bipartisan measure, sponsored by its chair Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), that will provide full extension of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the Northern Marianas in another fresh attempt to reform local labor and immigration policies.

“We have agreed that we should come up with unified position regarding the proposed legislation,” Tenorio said. “Their position is basically like the administration position.”

He also disclosed that his administration will soon come out with its own position to be presented before the panel in Washington D.C. “We are still working on it and we are getting ready for the hearing.”

Tenorio as well as other island leaders are expected to travel to the U.S. capital for the hearing this month, although the business sector has sought postponement until September to coincide with another oversight by the House Resources Committee. (See related story)

During the meeting yesterday, the Federal and Foreign Relations Committee, headed by Rep. Melvin Faisao, formally presented to the governor its position on Murkowski’s bill and another takeover proposal drafted by Edward B. Cohen, President Clinton’s special representative to the 902 talks.

According to the analysis prepared by former judge Jose S. Dela Cruz who is the legal counsel for the committee, the island government must draw up a comprehensive plan and not piece-meal solution to labor and immigration problems in efforts to persuade U.S. lawmakers against federal takeover of these Commonwealth functions.

According to Dela Cruz’ analysis adopted by the local legislative panel, the plan should be “reasonable and achievable” to allow joint CNMI and federal efforts that will convince members of the Congress against supporting takeover moves.

An immigration law expert is also necessary to help the CNMI tailor legislation addressing both the manpower needs of the CNMI and the overall concerns of Washington.

“I believe the CNMI has to be proactive in this matter, rather than merely reacting on a case-by-case basis to federal takeover proposals,” he said in his report. “Let us suggest alternative legislation, for a change.”