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Don’t put words in my mouth
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Posted on Mar 31 2005
I am writing to follow up on recent press reports about my recent visit to Saipan. The press accurately reported my belief that the U.S. Congress was unlikely to support Dekada’s efforts to obtain U.S. permanent residency status for CNMI guest workers. Notwithstanding my unambiguous statements, one article quoted a Mr. Woodruff, as stating, “…that he [Stayman] is 100 percent concerned about exactly the same things that Dekada is concerned about.” Another article paraphrased remarks by Mr. Woodruff to similar effect.
Assuming that Mr. Woodruff was accurately quoted, I reiterate that I agree with the Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Cohen, that Dekada may be giving guest workers unrealistic expectations regarding U.S. permanent residency status. Moreover, the members of the U.S. Senate that I am authorized to represent are, in fact, opposed to such a policy. I resent Mr. Woodruff’s efforts to put words into my mouth that directly contradict what I said. His statements also appear to be an attempt to further mislead members of Dekada and other guest workers about attitudes toward Dekada in Washington, D.C. Specifically, there is clear opposition and very poor prospects for success.
Thank you for this opportunity to clarify my views.
Allen Stayman
Washington D.C.
