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A welcome rally for US congressional staffers
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Posted on Aug 09 2008
The Coalition of United Workers (CNMI) will spearhead a rally today, Sunday, at the American Memorial Park, to welcome a delegation of congressional staffers.
Acting Coalition president Rabby Syed is encouraging guest workers of all nationalities to join the welcome rally at 5:30pm.
“We are inviting everybody in the community to come and support us,” Syed said.
Syed said they would be asking the visiting delegation to help long-term guest workers obtain improved immigration status in the CNMI.
The delegation—composed of staff from several committees and the office of Rep. Madeleine Bordallo—is slated to meet with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
Irene Tantiado, former president of the Coalition, said she will join the rally and in fact has been inviting some friends to go.
Tantiado said that, regardless of organization, she supports the Coalition’s objective to remind Congress to grant long-term guest workers improved immigration status.
It was Syed who invited Tantiado to join the rally.
The Coalition has clarified that it will not intervene in political issues related to the CNMI.
Coalition board chair Rene Reyes told Saipan Tribune they are not going to endorse any candidate in the upcoming U.S. congressional delegate race.
“We will commend and pray for whoever candidate will support our cause, but we will not be endorsing anybody,” Reyes said.
Syed said that, although Tantiado recently stepped down as their president, their goal will remain the same—improved immigration status for long-term guest workers.
Syed said they would soon elect a new leader for the group.
The acting president said they congratulate Tantiado for deciding to continue being an advocate for guest workers’ rights.
“As a self-advocate, if her aim is for the improved immigration status for long-term guest workers, we will support her,” Syed said.
Human Dignity president and Coalition member Jerry Custodio said they want to only focus on the “very important issue” of improved immigration status.
