Northern Mariana Islands Residents Relief Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as was just described, H.R. 560 would extend Northern Mariana Islands-only resident status for two groups of foreign nationals: individuals who came to Northern Mariana Islands as transitional workers in 2015, and individuals who have resided in the Northern Mariana Islands with an investor status.

These individuals were excluded from a June 2019 law that allowed other classes of current Northern Mariana Islands workers to remain in the territory. If signed into law, H.R. 560 would allow approximately 3,000 additional foreign nationals to remain there long term.

Now, bear in mind that the entire population of the Northern Mariana Islands is about 55,000, so just this addition of foreign nationals comprises about 5 percent of the entire population of the islands.

While I appreciate the majority did take this bill through regular order, I am still disappointed that it has not been willing to work with the Department of Homeland Security or even wait for it to consider the impact of the bill before moving it to the floor.

As the Department of Homeland Security is charged with managing programs that allow foreign nationals to work in the Northern Mariana Islands and elsewhere, I believe it is critical to have their views on something they will be charged with executing.

Further, it is my continued hope that this body remains committed to promoting an American workforce rather than that of a foreign one.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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