In a comment to the immediately preceding post, someone named "Anonymous" requested that we provide a forum for people to discuss their views on possible longer-term residence status for qualified foreign workers. Here at Saipan Middle Road, we know that we owe our phenomenal success to our willingness to respond to the wishes of you, our millions of loyal readers around the world. Your wish is our command.
To help guide our discussion, please see the questions raised in the following public service announcement:
UPCOMING COMMUNITY DISCUSSION FORUMS
TOPIC: WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON A POSSIBLE LONGER-TERM RESIDENCE STATUS FOR QUALIFIED FOREIGN WORKERS
WHEN AND WHERE:
Kagman Community Center, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. (Kagman, Capitol Hill, Papago, Santa Lourdes)
San Vicente Elementary School Cafeteria, Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. (DanDan, San Vicente, Kannat Tabla, Fina Sisu)
Garapan Elementary School Cafeteria, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. (San Roque, Tanapag, As Matuis, Puerto Rico, Garapan)
Koblerville Community Center, Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. (San Antonio, Koblerville, Chalan Piao, Chalan Kanoa, Oleai, Susupe)
YOUR OPINIONS ARE WELCOMED:
How many years of successful work in the Commonwealth do you think should qualify a foreign worker for longer-term residence status?
What do you think of social responsibility requirements such as basic English skills and classes in CNMI history?
What kind of financial responsibility requirements do you think would be fair? What other factors do you think should be considered?
* * *
For those of you who just can't wait for the forum to which your village has been assigned, feel free to jump into the discussion now, right here on our pages. And while you're at it, feel free to discuss other, related issues as well:
Are you in favor of longer-term residence status for qualified guest workers?
Does it matter to you whether such status is granted by the CNMI Government or by the Federal Government?
What do you think are the motives of those participants in this discussion who have led the fight against granting long-term status to guest workers in the federalization bill? Whether or not you trust the motives of all of the participants, do you think that there's any harm in engaging in this process?
Does the prospect of longer-term residence status under CNMI law affect your views on federalization?
Do you think that this process has caused division in the community? Has any such division been avoidable? Do you think that guest workers and their advocates who support this dialogue and those who do not can set aside their differences for the good of the guest workers?
Why did they vote that Pinay chick off of American Idol? Is this all part of the same conspiracy?
Inquiring minds want to know what YOU think! Deluge us all with your wisdom and insight!
55 comments:
4?
I go for 10 years of stay in CNMI, regardless of category, with legal staus. At least should know how to converse in English.
OR 3 years and above of stay in CNMI, professionals & high skilled workers.
Both of the above should show proof that they are paying and filing taxes religously.
I believe 10 yrs is acceptable and favorable to local community.About 3,600 longterm guestworkers reached that years so far.Imagine if this numbers spend all their monies here...that additional revenue..also this people that will be qualified are make sure will not be a BURDEN in all factors.one of this MEDICAL....
How many years of successful work in the Commonwealth do you think should qualify a foreign worker for longer-term residence status?
1 day. The common consensus among workers here for 17 years is 15 years service. 12 year employees prefer a 10 year requirement and six year workers like the five year plan. Three year veterans like the two year status and so forth. My experience with weak leadership here is that everyone watches out for their own ass. The 1 day person here came with all the sincerity of the rest and organized union mentality is that person deserves the same protections and status.
What do you think of social responsibility requirements such as basic English skills and classes in CNMI history?
The longtime worker here has a wealth of CNMI history knowledge not always reflected in the historical accounting. Further academic opportunities deemed essential, should be provided by the commonwealth.
What kind of financial responsibility requirements do you think would be fair? What other factors do you think should be considered?
NONE, other than the same responsibilities that each and every other citizen here is expected to do and in accordance with US labor and immigration guidelines.
For those of you who just can't wait for the forum to which your village been assigned, feel free to jump into the discussion now, right here on our pages. And while you're at it, feel free to discuss other, related issues as well:
I like this forum because we don’t need to listen to free lawyers tell us their resume, accomplishments, and share 2 hours of grandstanding and patting themselves on the back.
Are you in favor of longer-term residence status for qualified guest workers?
Yes, I am for green cards for every single CGW in the NMI regardless of time served with an unobstructed path to US citizenship. So forever would be the time limit provided that is the term chosen by the long abused worker.
Does it matter to you whether such status is granted by the CNMI Government or by the Federal Government?
Surely you jest.
What do you think are the motives of those participants in this discussion who have led the fight against granting long-term status to guest workers in the federalization bill? Whether or not you trust the motives of all of the participants, do you think that there's any harm in engaging in this process?
In my opinion, their motives are calculated as a desperate strategy by an administration whose human rights record is ghastly and I don’t trust the motives at all, but at that same time there is no harm with engaging them as long as you don’t let yourself be manipulated, as I would expect to happen eventually, given weak workers dealing with free lawyers.
Does the prospect of longer-term residence status under CNMI law affect your views on federalization?
NO
Do you think that this process has caused division in the community? Has any such division been avoidable? Do you think that guest workers and their advocates who support this dialogue and those who do not can set aside their differences for the good of the guest workers?
No, probably not, and it doesn’t matter. I don’t think there is any important division that will adversely effect federalization, which is the important goal for CGW, even those who don‘t know it or have hidden agendas. Let’s face facts, there is minimal unity to start with. I participated in a strike in the mainland US. That union walked out for 13 weeks and not one union member(of 6,000) crossed that picket line…not one. Further the other unions (shops often have several unions representing different groups of workers) were all generally against that concerted effort, but due to respect, none crossed that line in 91 days. That class, is unity. Leadership here is weak, in my opinion. The thought of a general strike here scares unity members to the point they may hide under the table…. and the excuse is that they can not afford to miss one days work. Mark Hanson said “if 3 hotel workers execute a concerted effort, they get fired…but if the entire hotel walks, they get a pay increase and additional vacation…if all hotel workers here walk, then they get a constitutional amendment for additional rights and protections”…so do the math sports fans. I would strongly recommend better leadership if I were a CGW here and the first door I would knock on is Mark Hanson‘s. Eventually, strong workers will demand strong leaders. I will always set aside differences for the good of guest workers, even those with vicious tactics and self serving interests.
Why did they vote that Pinay chick off of American Idol? Is this all part of the same conspiracy?
Perhaps the FFF (Fitial fed fighters) offered the unity union a bone while they paid an Abramoff wannable to screw the Filipino over while their real agenda was freezing the minimum wage here to better prepare big business interests for the post federalization NMI…but what do I know, I’m just a teacher, not a free lawyer.
Inquiring minds want to know what YOU think! Deluge us all with your wisdom and insight.
I more important immediate concern to CGW is the US stance on illegal employment, immigration fraud, and illegal/bogus business ownership ventures. I have drafted a general amnesty plan but honestly there seem to be so many free lawyers involved with this, that they would be more qualified than I to author such legislation.
I go for 1 day also! I wish Ron you were an angel, so that all our prayers would be answered immediately!
How many years of successful work in the Commonwealth do you think should qualify a foreign worker for longer-term residence status?
10 years
What do you think of social responsibility requirements such as basic English skills and classes in CNMI history?
I think basic english skills are a good requirement. cnmi history... nah.
What kind of financial responsibility requirements do you think would be fair? What other factors do you think should be considered?
CHANGE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HEALTHCARE OVER TO THEM. PREGNANCY IS NOT A DISEASE. WHY SHOULD AN EMPLOYER PAY FOR THE BIRTH OF A WORKERS CHILD? THAT JUST CREATES POSIBILITIES FOR DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE. you know get pregnant, no renewal. EVEN THOUGH IT IS ILLEGAL it has happened time and time again.
They should also pay for their own processing fees for this change over.
* * *
Are you in favor of longer-term residence status for qualified guest workers?
yes.
Does it matter to you whether such status is granted by the CNMI Government or by the Federal Government?
no
If i'm granted that status.I will buy brand new car.Imagine 3,600 cars will be sold out this October......what do you think Toyota,Triple J n Nissan?
Answer to the CNMI fuel crisis:
Rickshaws. That's right, rickshaws. There are a lot of Filipino and Bangladeshis here so let's put them to work. Think about it: A standard Filipino male drinks about a gal of water every 6 hours. It would take him about 6 hours to pull a rickshaw with a medium weight Chamorro 20 miles, or the length of Saipan. In other words, a Filipino gets about 20 miles per gallon, and at $1.50 per gallon, that's a steal.
wow, that's pretty fucked up.
...but i did chuckle a bit.
it's still fucked up though.
It's pretty hard to find a medium weight Chamorro. Lots of fat fucks in that demographic.
We might as well start paying Filipinos, Bangladeshis, etc. to be rickshaw drivers, because they've been carrying the rest of us (and this economy) on their backs for so many years. Where would we be without them? To quote "Embarassed a Bit", we'd be "pretty f'd up". And making fun of Chamorros isn't cool either.
Well that was disgusting..
Onto the questions.
______________
How many years of successful work in the Commonwealth do you think should qualify a foreign worker for longer-term residence status?
10
What do you think of social responsibility requirements such as basic English skills and classes in CNMI history?
English.. yes, but than if they've been working here for 10 years.. they speak English. CNMI history - No.
What kind of financial responsibility requirements do you think would be fair? None.. they've been working, they're likely going to be working.. what else would you want of them. Pay taxes. That's it.
What other factors do you think should be considered? Attractiveness. Just kidding. No other "factors". This starts to get into areas that are questionable, i.e.-medical histories, political past, etc. If they've been here working for 10 years.. that's all that is important.
Are you in favor of longer-term residence status for qualified guest workers? Yes (shouldn't this have been the first question)
Does it matter to you whether such status is granted by the CNMI Government or by the Federal Government? Yes. Federal status may bring with it, and fairly so, the opportunity to gain a green card and possibly future US citizenship. If you've worked and contributed that much.. you should be afforded that much.
What do you think are the motives of those participants in this discussion who have led the fight against granting long-term status to guest workers in the federalization bill? On the non-resident's side - The motives are to help enstate an improved status for long-stay workers.
On the "other" side - I can surmise a number of questionable motives. I can't answer for them however. I'd just say - tread carefully.
Whether or not you trust the motives of all of the participants, do you think that there's any harm in engaging in this process?
There could be. Already there is a split amongst supporters. Many folks do believe it is either too late, or not the time to be "discussing" improved status with anyone involved with trying to remove the language from federal legislation, or facilitate the new labor law. Discussion is fine, but setting up a venue, where these individuals are placed in some position of seeming authority is counterproductive. Having Goro and Seimer and Kara sitting up at a table, looking upon the audience of mostly non-resident workers, leaves one with the impression, and I think leaves them with the impression, that they have some sort of authority that they really do not have.. it also serves to graduate people like Goro to a greater level of importance. There is the harm in this. These people are floundering.. why elevate them. Call them to your house, sit around the living room and chit-chat. Don't facilitate a dialogue that is likely to amount to nothing, and in the process elevate the status of nincompoops.
Does the prospect of longer-term residence status under CNMI law affect your views on federalization? No. Federalize now.
Do you think that this process has caused division in the community? Has any such division been avoidable? The division to me seems to be the product of a petty argument. But then, I haven't been at the meetings. I have said, the most important thing right now, is not these "dialogues", it is getting the groups to reconcile.
Do you think that guest workers and their advocates who support this dialogue and those who do not can set aside their differences for the good of the guest workers? Sure.
Why did they vote that Pinay chick off of American Idol? Is this all part of the same conspiracy? Yes, but I believe it is a conspiracy facilitated by Jasmine Trias. She did not want the new girl to exceed her run on the program.
Ron Hodges gets extra credit for submitting such a complete and thoughtful answer, but we may have to deduct style points for excessive repetition of the term "free lawyer." I say we should free all the lawyers! And for some of the rest of you, is it possible for you to be un-PC without sliding into racism? Can we all just get along?
OK, Mrs. Hammerhead also gets extra credit for submitting such a complete and thoughtful answer, but will be penalized for using Jasmine Trias's name in vain. Shame on you. Seriously, some of these questions re financial responsibility, medical history, etc., could be modeled after federal requirements, where we simply want to ensure that the applicant will not become a public burden. This should not be an issue for people who are working.
Just wondering if people in the CNMI ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THIS SHAM AND CHARADE OF A GOVERNMENT.
I AM CALLING ON ALL CITIZENS TO TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT AND RECLAIM IT!
IT'S TIME FOR A REVOLUTION OF MINDS. AND IT IS TIME TO CHANGE THE FUTURE.
ARE YOU WILLING? BECAUSE I AM.
NO MORE B.S. CLEAN HOUSE 2009.
Remember, change begins with you.
Let's get rid of the OBN, Old Boys Network once and for all.
No more stupidity. No more lies. No more greedy shady deals. Just honest leadership you can count on.
To the OBN, change is coming. You will be replaced, and removed from office. And you can go work for minimum wage rates. Let's see how you like it.
Change is comin... get ready.
People think I am crazy. I'm not crazy. I'm just being honest and outspoken.
Look at the CNMI today. Why is it so bad? BECAUSE OF THE OBN. THEY HAVE RIPPED OFF THE ISLANDS JUST LIKE PRESIDENT MARCOS DID WITH THE PHILIPPINES. GREED HAS NO BOUNDS.
CLEAN HOUSE 2009. It is time for a revolution.
biba ed 2009! BIBA! go home to saipan ed! :-P
There will be a revolution all right. The same revolving motion around that flag pole, with the CNMI flag waving proudly in the air. The truth is, the Fitial admin has driven this economy down into the gutter in order to pass a casino bill. Yes, it will pass. I know, I have friends in very low places who are placed very high in the Gov't who drive big SUV's, chew a lot of betelnut and whose last name has both Manglona and Sablan and Fitial and yes, Tan
I'm in Ed!
Hodges- what do you think about the millions of Mexicans in America? Instant anmesty and green cards? Should we have a border at all? Can they all come live at your house?
"How many years of successful work in the Commonwealth do you think should qualify a foreign worker for longer-term residence status?"
Ten sounds about right, but I’m flexible. (But does it have to be “successful” work?)
"What do you think of social responsibility requirements such as basic English skills and classes in CNMI history?"
Some knowledge of CNMI history seems appropriate. English skills? Nah. In a place as multilingual as this is, there seems to be little point in making a big deal about that. Anyway, most people here ten years will have at least “basic” English skills. Most Filipinos had them before they got here. Actually, such a requirement might put Filipinos (and, to a lesser extent, Bangladeshis) at an unfair advantage relative to Chinese, Koreans, Thais, Vietnamese, etc., who mostly arrive here speaking no English whatsoever. However, I would give bonus points to anyone with the gumption to learn Chamorro or Carolinian (like eligibility in five years rather than ten).
"What kind of financial responsibility requirements do you think would be fair?"
No strong opinion on this. Maybe just not becoming a public charge.
"What other factors do you think should be considered?"
Not too many. Keep it simple, without a lot of nit-picky requirements.
"Are you in favor of longer-term residence status for qualified guest workers?"
Yes.
"Does it matter to you whether such status is granted by the CNMI Government or by the Federal Government?"
I am only in favor if the CNMI enacts it. I would oppose the US granting status if the CNMI opposes it, and I would oppose the US refusing status if the CNMI supports it.
"What do you think are the motives of those participants in this discussion who have led the fight against granting long-term status to guest workers in the federalization bill?"
I have no idea. Probably various motives. I would point out, though, that any participants I am aware of who opposed the federalization bill opposed the whole thing, both before and after the grandfather clause was removed. I am not aware of any among them who opposed just the grandfather clause, but now support the rest of the bill. So it is not really fair to characterize them as opponents of the long-term status provision specifically.
"Whether or not you trust the motives of all of the participants, do you think that there's any harm in engaging in this process?"
How can anything ever get accomplished without engaging in dialogue with those whose motives you distrust?
"Does the prospect of longer-term residence status under CNMI law affect your views on
federalization?"
Yes, it has made me more strongly against federalization than I was before (which is really saying something). I would hate to see us put together something really good here only to have the feds come in and fuck it up.
"Do you think that this process has caused division in the community?"
There was already division in the community before this issue arose (meaning the whole community, not just the nonresident worker community). It was just a division along different lines. If this residency issue has divided some that were formerly united, it has also united others that were formerly divided.
"Has any such division been avoidable?"
Some division is unavoidable in times of controversy. What is more surprising is the attempts being made to bridge it.
"Do you think that guest workers and their advocates who support this dialogue and those who do not can set aside their differences for the good of the guest workers?"
I am less concerned with that than with whether the guest workers, the locals, the businesses, etc., can lay aside their differences for the good of the whole Commonwealth. I believe it is possible.
"Why did they vote that Pinay chick off of American Idol?"
What Pinay chick?
"Is this all part of the same conspiracy?"
Yes.
Anon - FFF here like to change the venue on the immigration case here. Some CGW were lured here with promises of work in America & cannot be compared to Mexicans that crossed the border. I have no animosity toward the Mexicans, as I may have done the same thing in their condition and circumstances, be they can't be compared to the NMI, it is just apples and oranges.
ps I'm in Ed but if we have the same cast a characters running that we had in district 3, we may as well go golfing...again. I saw this on a blog somewhere.
Tina for Gov.
Ed for Lt. Gov
u are an angel ronnie and jean is very lucky!!!!!!!!!!
Tina for Governor
Ed for HEAD OF MAINTENANCE, cuz I WANT TO CLEAN HOUSE!
1. 10 years
2. Must pass English profiency and take NMI history at NMC college and pay for it
3.Pay NMI government 500. per year and tax remittance 25%.
4. Worker, not employer, must carry health, life, and car insurance like every law abiding citizen here.
5. Found guilty of any felony, or 2 misdomeaners is sayonara.
6. Must join workers union that charges 100. per month union dues.
7. NMI government should give bounty for turning in illegal filipinos and those who have scammed the system for oh so long.
8. Should not be eligable for public assistance, food stamps, or any US aid
9. Pay CNMI income tax
10. NO operating businesses and locals or Americans allowing them should face jail time
11. Must exit to meet US standards for immigration
12. Gate for them to visit, reletives to visit, or new workers to come is closed as how could we better make Saipan look like a Manila slum than let them live and bred here?
Comparing Manila to the NMI is accurate. PI has, for the 2nd straight year, voted the world's worst place to invest & do business in (2 seperate titles and multiple sources online and media). International investors follow international realty blogs and the only rating you will ever see below PI is the NMI. With no vision or originality, our politicians have copied operations after the Philippines. The Marcos comparison is spot on. No progressive company will ever come here(name 1 and don't say Mac’s as that is not a capital investment by Mac’s, it was by Joe A.)...never, until the people demand more of our elected officials.
"Q. What do you think are the motives of those participants in this discussion who have led the fight against granting long-term status to guest workers in the federalization bill?"
"A. I have no idea. Probably various motives. I would point out, though, that any participants I am aware of who opposed the federalization bill opposed the whole thing, both before and after the grandfather clause was removed. I am not aware of any among them who opposed just the grandfather clause, but now support the rest of the bill. So it is not really fair to characterize them as opponents of the long-term status provision specifically."
Actually, Cactus, these are the same people that complained that the improved status provision in the original draft of the federal bill would cause the CNMI to be overrun with guest workers and their families. They said this would overwhelm health care, education and other social services in the CNMI. Actually, the original draft of the federal bill (contrary to their claims) did not allow guest workers to sponsor relatives, other than immediate family members that were already in the CNMI. It also offered the safety valve of allowing guest workers to seek opportunities elsewhere in the U.S., which is a much more reliable safety valve than simply allowing them to return home. No CNMI proposal could offer such a safety valve, so it would pose a much greater risk of attracting too many people to the CNMI (especially if they also allow people to bring their families). Given that, I don't see how anyone who tried to scare people with those arguments against the federal bill can now turn around and support longer-term residency under CNMI law. I would support long-term status under CNMI law (as well as under federal law), but am noting the inconsistencies in the statements put forward by some.
Anti-federal proponents have made contrary and inconsistent statements defending their positions.
They claimed improved status would cause CGW to vacate to the mainland and the NMI would not have enough workers to operate. I believe to garner support from indigenous groups like TTT, the big business/chamber/HANMI sympathizers then made the opposite claim that PL-15-108 would keep locals in control of immigration and labor to increase levels of indigenous employment in the private sector. In my opinion, this was a ploy to block federalization and big business here doesn't give a rats ass about increasing levels of local islanders in the private sector. The "chamber" crowd wants it both ways, but if push comes to shove, they do not want to deport anyone and they also do not want CGW to vacate the NMI. They know that laws of supply/demand will drive the cost/value of labor should workers (whether they are CGW or locals leaving for US mainland opportunity) leave for any reason. Big business made a poor chess move when they helped to block the bill Cohen (and Jim B.) advised, as that version would have given the NMI advantages that, to quote Cohen, "Silicon Valley would kill for". That would have guaranteed enormous investment by the likes of Google and Microsoft. Our legislative lunacy comes down to "do you prefer control or prosperity".
Those who support federal intervention can chill the champagne, as this case is closed.
"2. Must pass English profiency and take NMI history at NMC college and pay for it "
wouldn't that rule out a lot of locals? even the a lot of the stupid haoles!
"6. Must join workers union that charges 100. per month union dues."
um, why?
"8. Should not be eligable for public assistance, food stamps, or any US aid"
but then wouldn't they be paying into a local assistance program with the next one?
"9. Pay CNMI income tax"
granted, welfare here is a federal thing anyway, so what's the big deal?
"10. NO operating businesses and locals or Americans allowing them should face jail time"
locals are americans, but i know what you mean. it's just semantics to us locals.
even a lot of the stupid haoles!
That is hilarious Brad, my compliments, you are true islander.
Saipan is a workers paradise for Bangaladeshis, Chinese and Filipinos. They are free to leave and go back home or go to Saudi or other country. The rub comes when what was originally intended to be temporary became permanent. Welfare mothers just couldn't live without their maids and babysitters- hence a new class of servitude was born. Not indentured, mind you, but voluntary.
You see this everywhere but the mainstream USA and some of Europe. There is always somebody poorer than you who is willing to clean up your mess.. and be happy to be able to do so and earn a salary.
When the feds take over, there will not be a floodgate opening. The contract workers will learn within a matter of years, what the US Immigration allows and does not allow. I ask any Filipino who has gone to the embassy in Manila, how difficult it is to get a visa just to go to Disneyland. Virtually impossible unless you are very wealthy and well known.
You think federalization is your salvation and a ticket to the USA but you are simply wrong or misled. Your best bet is to stick with the CNMI as at least a job opportunity. When your kids reach 18 years old then they can sponsor you to the USA.
anon - Are you suggesting, sir/madam, that we plan a society around a 3rd world work force whose plan and goal in life is to push out children in the NMI and roam lost around the islands working for peanuts and living like beggars until their US citizen child becomes an adult?
Is that your plan?
The poetic justice is that when the child, who is an American, likely a former student of mine, reaches 18 and he or she may....well I'll you figure it out...
The age for U.S. citizen children to be able to petition their foreign national parents is 21, not 18.
But they need to also meet income requirements above the poverty level (for the entire family, including parents and any younger siblings), which makes it more likely that the U.S. citizens will move to Guam or the mainland so they can earn enough to actually get a petition approved.
Especially since our federal government doesn't even have the decency to post USCIS employees here -- part of the lack of adherence to existing federal law enforcement responsibilities I've been talking about.
Federalization will definitely not be the "cure" it's touted to be. Far from it.
You could also surmize that the takeover of Immigration, as large a task as that is, with all of its inevitable intracacies and overlap with labor, will be the catalyst that brings in additional investment, assistance and participation by the Feds in a variety of related areas. Seems more likely than not that would happen, if they were already managing immigration.
Yes, I think it is quite likely that we will be seeing increased "participation" by the feds in a wide variety of areas.
like a widening collective local anus....
Hey, an anus seems appropriate. Considering we've already created a heaping pile of sh#t.
1. 10 years
good idea i agree and many locals will agree to that too!
2. Must pass English profiency and take NMI history at NMC college and pay for it
TRUE… English is true it’s the universal language… if after ten yrs and you still dnt know how to talk decent English then don’t waste your time` GO HOME! \
NMI HIS> good idea but how much u want to bet even a majority of the locals will fail the test! Better concentrate on educating them on the culture and y they should learn and respect the culture… never mind really on NMI his. (Too many outside influences on our NMI his. German, Spanish, Japanese, American…) c’mon there were Filipinos here in the history books…
3.Pay NMI government 500. Per year and tax remittance 25%.
Maybe not every year that they are here… i say pay NMI Gov't $500.00 upon renewal of status!!! Common sense these people we are talking about are MINIMUM WAGERS! GET REAL!
4. Worker, not employer, must carry health, life, and car insurance like every law abiding citizen here.
WTF! I'm a local and i think that my employer owes me at least a portion of my health insurance… i say that they should have some kind of security bond so that in case they die there will be money to send their very dead bodies back to where ever they came from. And unless your employer is very generous…and pays for your car insurance! Come on mann get your shet straight! Every one pays for their own car insurance i know i do!
5. Found guilty of any felony, or 2 misdemeanors is sayonara.
VERY VERY TRUE. Serve their sentence here… pay restitution and immediate DEPORTATION.
6. Must join workers union that charges 100. per month union dues.
`why? Your joking right! does that apply to all workers here in the CNMI? (F*K THE WORKERS UNION I HAVE BETTER THINGS I CAN DO WITH 100.00 LIKE PAY FOR POWER…!!!! AND BUY GAS) (even DEKADA sounds better at least i will only have to pay $100.00 as an entrance fee!) HAHAHAHA! LOL! ROFLMAO! YOUR FUNNY MANN YOUR FUNNY …
7. NMI government should give bounty for turning in illegal Filipinos and those who have scammed the system for oh so long.
TAYA SALAPE THE NMI GOVT.
8. Should not be eligable for public assistance, food stamps, or any US aid
Y do they get any sort of US aide? Its uncle sams money who the f** r u to tell uncle sam who to give his money and assistance too… not as if like UNCLE BEN AND TAN are giving any one any sort of HELP! Get mi drift!
9. Pay CNMI income tax
Doesn’t every WORKING INDIVIDUAL pay income tax? HINT HINT RON H.? (don’t make me mention any names…) (i know what your doing. sneaky sneaky… if u ask me!)
10. NO operating businesses and locals or Americans allowing them should face jail time
Huh? Can u please elaborate?
11. Must exit to meet US standards for immigration
“GO TO MANAGAHA!”
12. Gate for them to visit, reletives to visit, or new workers to come is closed as how could we better make Saipan look like a Manila slum than let them live and bred here?
You said to VISIT, right? Now why the hell would we want to close any gates to any one who wants to visit the CNMI for any reason in exception to terrorists! I agree on you as to closing the gate for bringing in more new guest workers. Owe and correction on RELATIVES!
See even you wont pass English Proficiency Test… too much your wrong spelling, at least dai use the spell check b 4 u post! NOT ASHAME!
anon` its not only the locals that are fat! you idiot... ther are fat filipinos here too, so are there fat americans, and then again there are few but still there are some fat chinese... im a skinny local and maybe even you your fat! you FATASS
biba tina sablan... 2009
im tired of all these OLD and an emphasis on the OLD politicians! PUIRA KAKO!
BULA KUENTOS LAO AN MAN MATACHONG TAYA!
I KNOW IM NOT GOING TO WASTE MY VOTE, VOTING FOR OLD FARTS! I WANT NEW, YOUNG, FRESH AND SO CLEAN CLEAN POLITICIANS!
BEN AND TIM (TAN ADMINISTRATION)
NO WAY NOTHING BETTER TIMES ALL BITTER TIMES HE IS ASKING FOR 4 MORE YEARS... BULLSHET! ALREADY 4 YEARS HE HAD NAI... STOP THIS SHET!
TINA FOR GOV.
I think the decision on any of the issues should be left to the LOCAL indigenous people… stop fan talking ron.! Ur making me sick (1 day) GRRR! Ultimately this island belongs to the locals… and it is us locals who will have to suffer the insults and damaging reputation! NOT u ron and not your America! I understand your concern for the guest workers here in the CNMI, but your just full of it! What credibility do you and that Jerry C.. and the Human Dignity Movers have? After seeing the outcome of the so SO CALLED prayer vigil i believe that you and Jerry just don’t have the capacity to influence a slight portion of the guest worker community! What a joke! You’re a teacher ron and u couldn’t even influence enough or any of your fellow teachers to stand by u for this so called “American injustice” as jerry claims. SHAME SHAME!
Enough with that!
Ron you suck as a teacher, you suck as a real estate agent and you suck as an American
But then again this is only ME and MY opinion! Owe and just so that you don’t waste brain cells trying to figure out what i am BRAT! I AM A LOCAL (no assn. w/ whoever said haole)
How do save a dumb Chamorro from drowning? Take your foot off his head.
Ring the bells...s.2739 passed in this early 3:50 am unanimously. This is the offical press release of Rep. George Miller.
“For more than a decade, a lobbyist by the name of Jack Abramoff joined then-Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-TX) and others in Congress to block our reform efforts. We sought these changes so that we could put a stop to the well-documented and widespread abuse of poor men and women in the garment and tourism industry in the CNMI and to better secure America's borders.
“Jack Abramoff is now in prison and Tom Delay has resigned in disgrace. Very few people would defend the status quo in the CNMI, which has done such damage to workers and their families over the years.
“Coupled with the increase in the minimum wage that we enacted last year, this bill will help put an end to the old practices and, I hope, will help the CNMI open a new chapter of economic prosperity in compliance with American law.”
just another mistake made by congress. a better solution is out there.
Sho nuff...Miller finally got back at those foreign fuckers in the CNMI for trying to horn in on his garment pal's profits.
anon-How do save a dumb Chamorro from drowning? Take your foot off his head.
Did you mean " How do YOU save a dumb Chamorro from dorwning?" or "How TO save a dumb chamorro from drowning?"
better you spell check b 4 u post u fucken s2pid idiot... haha your the DUMBASS!
it is people like you who make us locals oppose the whole issue!
better you shut the fuck up and pull your big dumb head out of your ASS!
wow Ron! did u really stay up all night long to see the outcome of the senate bill?
your better off being a reporter than a teacher!
HURRAY FEDERALIZATION! (JUMPING AROUND WITH JOY RINGING ALL MY BELLS LIKE RON SAID TO DO)
NOT!
I guarantee you that Jerry Custudio's ASS is smiling right now...but in reality he and his human dignity movers prayers had NO INFLUENCE in senate passing this bill... i wonder if JC is even qualified for any assistance under FEDERAL guidelines(H2 VISA)...i wonder if he is even legal to be here in the CNMI right now?!
Ron/Jerry
dumb/dumber
Hodges.. your reply: anon - Are you suggesting, sir/madam, that we plan a society around a 3rd world work force whose plan and goal in life is to push out children in the NMI and roam lost around the islands working for peanuts and living like beggars until their US citizen child becomes an adult?
Is that your plan?
--------------------------
Duh.. I re-read my words many times and I don't see any such "plan" in my comments such as you suggest. Maybe that is the problem in the CNMI in that people don't know how to read.. even teachers.
I, for one, am tired of this entitlement mentality being shoved down our throats. There are path's to US Immigration and Citizenship available to everyone in the world. Being a maid (or skilled worker) on Saipan as a temporary contract worker isn't one of them. If you want to immigrate, go back home and go to the Embassy of your choice and apply.
I found it very ironic and amusing that prior to the laws which prohibited public assistance to non-citizens in the Mainland, a very large number of immigrants chose not to become citizens. Once the laws changed, the INS offices nationwide were clogged for over 4 years with applicants for US Citizenship. I saw bedridden patients being wheeled into the INS offices in wheel chairs by nursing home staff.
-- for pride in country? Patriotism? Naaah. Only free money from American taxpayers.
Trini Lopez had a great song back in the 60's... Come to America. Everything is free in America. I want to go to America....
You know little about America.. or the immigrants from many countries that have come to America. Before spouting off, you should read a variety of their stories. Most of them came for opportunities. Period. Because people seek a better life financially, in addition to all of the other great promises of America, such as freedom, does not make their endeavor any less meaningful.
Hhead-- you should learn how to read also. Nobody is stopping Immigrants come to America by a process that is currently in place and is tried and true- and I didn't suggest that immigrants be prevented from coming to America. Last time I checked, the Philippines was a free country also.
Trini Lopez-- AMERICA. Just change San Juan to Manila and you have a very apropos song for our times. Maybe that Pinay chick on American Idols should have sung this song:
I like to be in america
ok by me in america
everything free in america
for a small fee in america
I like the city of san juan
I know a boat you can get on
hundreds of flowers in full bloom
hundreds of people in each room
automobile in america
chromium steel in america
wire spoke wheel in america
very big deal in america
I'll drive a buick in san juan -
if there's a road you can drive on
I'll give my cousins a free ride -
how you fit all of them inside
immigrant goes to america
many helloes in america
nobody knows in america
puerto rico's in america
when i will go back to san juan -
when will you shut up and get gone
I'll give them new washing machine -
what have they got there to keep clean
I like the shores of america
comfort is yours in america
knobs on the doors in america
wall to wall floors in america
I'll bring a tv to san juan -
if there's a current to turn on
everyone there will give big cheer -
everyone there will have moved here
Don't be silly. Change "San Juan" to "Manila"? Then it wouldn't rhyme anymore.
Entitlement mentality pushed down your throats. How absurd. This place invented the entitlement mentality. Give me special priviliges I'm local. Give me a job I voted for you. Give me food stamps. The typhoon blew off my tin roof, give me 10,000 dollars. Oh yeah, just give us the money, don't tell us not to exploit the third world. We need self government. What a joke.
after reading the post fed goa 4 options for guest workers it seems ms. doromal, mr. hodges, and jim benedetto were right about the bill and right to not go for local long term residency thanks to you all you are all smart and loyal to helping
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