‘DHS exec optimistic on flexible federalization’

CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio and Rep. Ralph Torres, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Health, Education, and Welfare Committee met Friday with Dr. Richard Barth, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development for the Department of Homeland Security.

Barth is charged with overseeing the development of the regulations that will implement Public Law 110-229, the law that brings the CNMI under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“The legislation provides the skeleton and the regulations are the muscle that makes it work. It is very important that the regulations are developed in the same spirit that minimizes adverse economic and fiscal effects as the law provides under its principal findings and objectives. Both chairman Torres and I expressed the need to protect businesses, jobs, and access to workers,” said Tenorio. “I am very pleased with the meeting and the deep understanding that Dr. Barth has for our economic problems.”

Recognizing the huge challenge before the Department of Homeland Security and the Northern Marianas, Barth was reportedly “very optimistic” that the law could be flexibly implemented with sensitivity to the economic realities currently faced by the CNMI, while keeping in mind the department’s federal responsibility for security of the nation and its Pacific territories.

“We spoke at length about the visa waiver program and the inclusion of China and Russia. There are certainly foreign affairs challenges much larger than the CNMI, but I was relieved that Dr. Barth remained optimistic and recognized the unique aspects of the CNMI. He knows the importance of this developing market to our economy, and I feel optimistic that everything will work out to our advantage,” said Tenorio.

A team of Homeland Security attorneys is expected in the CNMI soon that will be meeting with leaders from various private sector industries, Gov. Benigno Fitial, and the Legislature. Their intent is to calm nerves and reassure the people of the CNMI that Homeland Security desires broad participation and transparency in the development of the regulations.

“One of our biggest challenges is the upcoming change in the federal administration next January. I hope that the new President maintains the same commitment to openness that we are currently enjoying. I intend to maintain contact with DHS through the transition and make sure that implementation of this bill remains a top priority with the new administration,” said Tenorio.

“I am glad that I was able to participate in this meeting. There is a lot of apprehension and misinformation in the CNMI about the law and the regulations, and it was good for me to hear first hand from the Assistant Secretary of DHS’ willingness to be flexible and their desire to improve the economy of the CNMI,” said Torres. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]