Some 2000 workers in the Northern Marianas have an uncertain future after losing their status at the beginning of the year due to the end of two federal programmes.
Photo: 123rf
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has terminated the humanitarian parole and employment authorisation programmes.
Those affected by the decision are the immediate relatives of US citizens and other stateless individuals, CNMI permanent residents and their immediate family, immediate relatives of citizens of Freely Associated States and caregivers of CNMI residents.
The federal agency has given a June deadline to those affected to transition or seek other status, otherwise they will need to leave the CNMI.
The CNMI Governor and Delegate have both said permanent legislation is needed to help those affected by the end of the programmes.
