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Tenorio meets with DHS Assistant Secretary Barth
(Washington, DC) July 11, 2008. CNMI Resident Representative Pedro A.
Tenorio and Chairman Ralph Torres of the HEW Committee of the CNMI House of
Representatives met on Friday with Dr. Richard Barth Assistant Secretary for
Policy Development for the Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Barth has
been charged with overseeing the development of the regulations that will
implement Public Law 110-229 which brings the Northern Marianas under
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,”
commented 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, Dr. Barth was 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,” continued Tenorio.
A team of DHS attorneys is expected in the CNMI soon that will be meeting with
leaders from various private sector industries, the Governor 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,”
commented 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,” stated Chairman Torres.
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