KUAM - With the downward spiral of tourist arrivals from Japan, the Guam Visitors Bureau was dealt a devastating blow as efforts to bring in tourists from China and Russia via the newly-created Guam-CNMI Joint Visa Waiver Program were shot down by the federal government. According to the Federal Register the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a ruling issued today stated nationals from China and Russia "cannot at this time seek admission under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program due to security concerns."
Nov 25, 2008
No to Chinese and Russian Waiver...
Breaking news from the KUAM website that the "Feds reject the bringing Chinese and Russain tourists through waiver program" to Guam that would trickle down to the CNMI's similar request. The report says that the feds find it not allowable at this time due to security concerns.
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49 comments:
Seriously, who didn't see this coming?
Everyone saw this coming, except the pro FED libdems. The Fitial admin saw this coming way before any lawsuit was filed as well. This is the end of the CNMI economy for about 20 years.
Special thanks to:
Lil'Hammerhead
Wendy
Tina
Ron H
and many more...
If you're thanking people you can't leave out:
The Gov
The Lt.
The Legislature
CNMI voters
Abramhoff
The Strip Club Owners
The peddlers of OFW flesh and virtue
...and all the rest who put the CNMI on charma's payback list.
Look, this is not the end of anything. The tourists can get visas and still visit the CNMI. Get over it.
A Russian tourist must visit one of 3, count them, 3 US Embassies scattered over 8,000 miles. Once there they pay a fee, fill out endless forms set an appointment to come back to be personally interviewed (another airplane flight to get a piece of paper)and more.
Russians will stay away in droves and so will the Chinese.
'Federalization' is designed to do just this, and there will be more. This is but one measure designed to crush the life out of the CNMI economy. Beggars are much more tractable.
Welcome back to the TT.
The ultimate trajectory of all this appears to be a de facto consolidation of the CNMI with Guam, under a regime in which everything else is subordinated to military and security interests, as interpreted by an agency whose chief business is paranoia.
Noni- what's Saipan got that would lure Russians and Chinese tourists? They're already staying away in droves.
Anonymous- the life has been crushed out of the CNMI economy for several years now.
Cactus- as usual you're absolutely right, but you fail to mention that the CNMI Guv'mint played a huge role in setting that trajectory. And while Guam may play a role in US security interests, Saipan will be relegated to an R and R destination. As in bars and whore houses.
Ever been to Okinawa? Should we save time and rename Hotel Street Olongapo Road now?
Oh, and watch out 'Lil, you got the sweaty/hairy look that drives them jarheads crazy. Better bust out that razor Babe.
If only 8,306 voters chose John G, the Notte Marianas will not be in this predicament.
Too bad that we now have to wait for two years before someone who can do the job gets into office.
Too bad that 8,306 voters do not know what they were doing.
Let us thank Pete A for this fiasco!
I see that Arnold and Slow are now concerned about this visa issue..LOL, where were these DickHeads when the going was happening?? Remember the Anti-Federalization Rally? Where were you DickHeads?
Let us thank people like Ed Poops, Tina Bitching, Ed Salas, Heinz Talk Talk and many more.
So are these DickHeads still telling us the Governor Fitial's Lawsuit is wrong? At least Gov. Fitial has the BOLABOLA to stand up against the FEDerales! DO YOU DICKHEADS??? HAVE ANY BOLABOLA??
That's the risk in hanging your bolabolas out in people's faces- somebody with a big hammer and nothing better to do (like the Feds)might send you back to Mommy with your brand new, extremely painful squasha-bolas.
It's difficult for anti-Feds to comprehend, but hanging their bolabolas out isn't going to slow down federalization at all. That takes brains, and unfortunately they're significantly lacking in that area.
That's why Tina freaks them out so badly.
There is nothing preventing China and Russia from asking to be included in the Visa Waiver Program in the future. The new law also allows the governor of the CNMI to ask Homeland Security to add new countries. The existing requirements for countries that wish to participate are very specific, and non-negotiable. The countries have to be able to scan and store travel documents for all entry and exit, and a willingness to share that information for the international effort to track terrorists who cross borders. The countries also have to agree not to reject too many of our citizens' visa applications for visits to participating countries. Countries who participate must also agree that no more than a certain percentage of their visitors will overstay. And the governments of those countries who want to participate have to agree to take back their citizens if they are refused entry to the U.S., or deported by the U.S. China is not presently able to comply with those requirements, which is very likely why China will not be on the list of countries whose visitors will get visa waivers. For example, did you know that there are almost 40,000 Chinese citizens that have been deported by the U.S., but the PRC refuses to take them back? Instead of blaming Homeland Security for this decision, why don't we work with the Chinese government to come up with a timetable for their compliance with the existing requirements? Once they have their ducks in a row, the governor can ask DHS to consider adding them to the list. In the meantime, let's start beautifying the islands to entice the Japanese tourists back. Build more sidewalks for pedestrians, plant more shade trees, give restaurants and shops that tourists might patronize cheap leases in the Paseo, increase police presence so Japanese women aren't mugged as they walk from the DFS Galleria to the Fiesta and Hyatt, get rid of the streetwalkers, pick up the dead carcasses of the dogs and cats before they bloat up and smell, quit charging tourists $28 for lunch "specials", aggressively prosecute those who break into tourists' cars at the beaches and other tourist sites, pick up the trash, quit discharging insufficiently treated wastewater into the ocean and destroying the natural beauty of the reefs, etc. These things are all doable, if the local government wanted to do anything more than cry the blues.
Could've used a paragraph break or two there anon. Otherwise, you set your nail fairly well. While you are at it though, maybe move the island a little closer to the market. West in compass directions, that is, not ideaology,
“Federalization: You asked for it; you got it.” © Ms. D. 2008.
Any country storing nuclear weapons on an air base out in the Pacific would be very concerned about individuals that carry handheld GPS units on small motor boats moving through the pre-position ships off Saipan and sliding on down to Rota and running the boats up on the reefs and dumping 20 or so aliens on the shores of Guam. Or,how about the CNMI Immigration letting in 27 muslims with false passports into Saipan. Luckily they were just economic refugees and not connected to groups that really do not like the USA. CNMI Immigration has no resources to do background checks. Come on people you did it to yourselves...AGAIN! Get a life!
To the anonymous commenter blaming federalization on Tina et all, you are dumb and blind. Tina did not bring in federalization you moron and neither did the march. What brought it in is the government's failure to run our local immigration and labor properly and our local government's failure to raise minimum wage to a livable wage which would be more attractive to locals.
Hey moron, the McPhee report states that 4000 locals have fled the CNMI!! Ask yourself, why did they all leave? Was it federalization that chased them away? Lol. You are an idiot.
As far as the Russian and Chinese market is concerned, yes, we need them. But ever ask yourself why we so desperately need them? Japanese investors and tourists abandoned the CNMI. What happened? Was it federalization that chased them away?
You keep spinning it moron. Federalization has its cons, just like everything else in life. But in the long run, it will work out.
In the meantime, pull out a calculator and figure out how much Uncle Sam gave us in the last decade alone. They gave us so much money that we wasted. Business as usual.
In the meantime, let's stimulate the economy by putting Ridlyme on the black market since we have stockpiles of it.
Biba koruption baby!
Tim Villagomez won't serve one day in prison. This is one arrogant dude. He acts as if he has done nothing wrong.
If Tim doesn't go to pen fed, then to hell with the CNMI.
You get the government you deserve. If you have a bunch of crooks running the CNMI, what does that say about its people?
The feds won't give us shit with Ben-tan in office.
if the NMI voter wakes up with people like Tina, she could talk them back in.
Ms. D - We don't want federalization of immigration but it will be worth it it you and the count split forever.
Ed - The turket was a little dry today, do you suspect the feds?
Will we still get green cards?
Rickshaws and sunsets
Newsflash! Fitial chose Ramon Mafnas as his running mate for 09. Mafnas is good at intimidating and chocking people especially Filipinos who he hate with passion.
Fitial-Mafnas 09. Vote us or Ramon will chock you!
if people here vote for fitial and mafnas because they will fight the feds, then the worlds gone mad and our voters are retarded.
If Ben and Ramon run together their party slogan will be "Better Slimes"
"The new law also allows the governor of the CNMI to ask Homeland Security to add new countries."
I hope the author of that statement will take a moment to explain why anyone should be reassured, gratified, persuaded, or otherwise impressed by it.
Fitial and Mafnas 09! Vote for us or else!
Special thanks to
Lil Hammerhead
Wendy
Tina
Ron
Ed
and many others.
I am local and I am glad the US will bring security to our borders, get rid of the illegals, stop the Chinese from overtaking our islands, and bringing resolution to our history of exploitation and labor abuse once and for all.
I thank you.
Cactus, I think everyone understands why it is a good thing to give the CNMI the opportunity to petition DHS to add new tourist markets as they are identified--everyone, that is, except you. Let me guess: you see this as evidence that the U.S. is being paternalistic, since a sovereign CNMI should be allowed to unilaterally add new countries, whether they are friendly to the U.S. or not. You lost that argument when the Covenant was ratified by nearly 80% of the people of the CNMI. The CNMI is part of the U.S., and the federal government controls its borders. Get over it.
“Cry me a river” is a Pennsylvania cliché commonly used by the erstwhile Buffalo Rider (now a Screaming Eagle). We can see that this person’s oft-stated concern for the aliens in our midst is nothing more than a platitude.
The guest workers were used (and abused) during the “Unity March” and will be deported by the planeload when the feds take over immigration. The comment that “it will be worth it” shows his/her true racist bias.
The remark about feds not cooperating with a territorial government based upon the identity of its elected leadership shows how deeply and psychotically vindictive this individual is.
P.S. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employee leadership of local political campaigns or movements.
Each department's Office of the Inspector General cares deeply about this important principle. If you want to continue to be a fed, don't pull CNMI political strings or crawl into bed with candidates.
Hey Buddy, you're a bit behind the times.
It's not the OIGs, it's the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) that enforces the Hatch Act. And restrictions have been lifted on most federal employees.
http://www.osc.gov/ha_fed.htm#may
Now it is true that there is still a limited class of federal employees for whom the old, more restrictive rules still apply, based on where they work. These sensitive agencies include the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Elections Commission, National Security Agency, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division.
http://www.osc.gov/ha_fed.htm#agencies
But other than the FBI and perhaps a few other transient Special Agents, there are very few federal employees restricted from normal political activity here in the CNMI because they work for such agencies.
Here is a document issued by the OSC on May 2, 2008 that discusses examples of the limits "normal" federal employees are subject to.
http://www.osc.gov/documents/hatchact/federal/Commerce%20AO.pdf
Note that the Hatch Act applies to executive branch state and local employees who are principally employed in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency, such as DEQ and CRM.
http://www.osc.gov/ha_state.htm
NMI MVA Marketing guru, Porky Bateman has lost the worlds two largest and fastest growing tourists markets, China and Russia in just 6 weeks on the job.
Perhaps we can strip search Filipinos and Guamanians!!!!
I want to strip search Bateman. He is so sexy! Ai nako!
I hope they start leaving soon.
More Cinese and Filipinos gone means the hotels must pay more to local workers.
God Bless America
"Cactus, I think everyone understands why it is a good thing to give the CNMI the opportunity to petition DHS to add new tourist markets as they are identified--everyone, that is, except you."
I guess I need to be clearer.
Nobody has "given" the CNMI the "opportunity to petition" anyone for anything. The CNMI, along with everyone else, has always had the right the "petition" the government. Check the First Amendment if you don't believe me ("Congress shall make no law...abridging...the right of the people...to petition the government for a rederess of grievances.")
So for this new law to come along and state that we are "allowed" to "ask" DHS to add new countries gives us neither a good thing nor a bad thing. It gives us NOTHING, because we would have that same right whether the law specifically provided for it or not.
And that's all it is -- the right to ask for something. There is nothing in that law that either prevents DHS from simply responding "NO" to any "petition" we might make, or allows us to do anything about it if they do -- except, I suppose, to "petition" them again later.
In other words, if you are saying I should regard merely being "allowed to petition" the government as a "good thing" that I should be thankful for, you are basically asking me to be thankful that Congress did not go so far as to repeal the First Amendment with respect to the CNMI.
Sorry, Anonymous -- even in this Thanksgiving season, that is a degree of "gratitude" that I am unable to muster.
So, it's a bad thing that the CNMI has the right to expand its tourist base by including more countries? Sorry, Cactus. I know you lawyers like to argue about how many angels dance on the head of a pin, but it seems to me that if we see a market we want, that it's encouraging we are entitled to ask for that country to be included on our list. Certainly it's more encouraging than if we did not have the right to do so. But maybe you are right, and the law should say, "The sovereign CNMI, who never gave up its sovereignty, and whose independence and superiority we are forced to concede, shall have, and has always had, the absolute right to add whatever countries it wants onto its visa waiver program, subject to our approval, of course."
One-Paragraph Block-Poster Anonymous said...
There is nothing preventing China and Russia from asking to be included in the Visa Waiver Program in the future. The new law also allows the governor of the CNMI to ask Homeland Security to add new countries.
* * * *
Countries who participate must also agree that no more than a certain percentage of their visitors will overstay. And the governments of those countries who want to participate have to agree to take back their citizens if they are refused entry to the U.S., or deported by the U.S. China is not presently able to comply with those requirements, which is very likely why China will not be on the list of countries whose visitors will get visa waivers. For example, did you know that there are almost 40,000 Chinese citizens that have been deported by the U.S., but the PRC refuses to take them back? Instead of blaming Homeland Security for this decision, why don't we work with the Chinese government to come up with a timetable for their compliance with the existing requirements?
11/26/2008 5:32 PM
cactus said...
"The new law also allows the governor of the CNMI to ask Homeland Security to add new countries."
I hope the author of that statement will take a moment to explain why anyone should be reassured, gratified, persuaded, or otherwise impressed by it.
11/28/2008 1:20 PM
Cactus is right. Block-Poster is wrong.
In the new immigration federalization law, the Feds have given us nothing!
But they have taken away a key tool toward self-sufficiency and earning a livelihood, the very reason the CNMI, until now, has been able to get by on a minimal per capita expenditure of federal funds in the amount of $2K+, while the national average is $8K+.
Federal apologist Block-Poster tries to justify the feds with the argument that China is not accepting 40,000 deportees from the U.S. So as soon as the CNMI is able to solve the Feds' multi-decade problem, "to get our ducks in a row," we can have the tourism economy we need. (!)
HELLO!!!
There have been less than five Chinese tourist overstays in the entire CNMI Electronic Visitor Entry Program! Those tourists are pre-screened by the tour operators, and the tour operators are financial responsible for ensuring tourists depart. If there is any question, the tour operators won't admit them in the first place.
Here the CNMI has a great, workable solution. But the CNMI is expected to solve all the federal government's problems in the mainland U.S. before we're allowed to have tourists to make a living??????!!!!
That is not consistent with the stated intent of Pub. L. 110-229!
The stench of the federalizers' evil deeds is appalling!
(And no, Cactus is not a hanger-on of the Fitial Administration. I would have reason to know. Too bad; they need people like him, or anyone who can make a contribution to our people. Instead, he is a genuine libertarian. I'm sure he helps society in his own way.)
"The stench of the federalizers' evil deeds is appalling!
(And no, Cactus is not a hanger-on of the Fitial Administration. I would have reason to know. Too bad; they need people like him, or anyone who can make a contribution to our people. Instead, he is a genuine libertarian. I'm sure he helps society in his own way.)"
This sounds like the Fitial/Tan/Pierce/A team talking to theirselves.
HAHAHAHAHA
Russian and Chinese markets could be saved but no DC politicians will even get in the same room with the Governor of the CNMI, much less work with him.
The first day of June, 2009, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands will be federalized and all labor and immigration matters will be under direction of the United States of America.
This is the biggest news in the NMI since the US Marines swarmed Sugar Dock in WWII. Long the subject of human rights concerns and labor abuses from the garment industry of Saipan, the commonwealth has taken a new direction for the 21st century.
In early 2007, US Representative Donna Christensen submitted HR-3079 to federalize the commonwealth, to end the labor abuses, to end the Jack Abramoff era of corruption, to secure the borders, provide for a non-voting delegate to the US House of Representatives, and to provide stability and opportunity for the Northern Marianas islands. President Bush signed a similar version of this bill into law in May. 2008, with an effective date in June, 09.
The preliminary federal regulations would deal the CNMI some tough cards if enacted. Russians and Chinese would not receive a visa waiver and NMI tourism, hotels, and future casinos will be devastated by that decision. Some believe that Governor Fitial’s frivolous lawsuit against America may have promulgated the US to excommunicate Russian and Chinese tourists. A more plausible explanation is due to Fitial’s refusal to work with the federal government, there was no one to point out to US government officials that 3 Embassies are spread across 7500 miles of Russia, and would require the potential tourist to fly there twice, logistically not likely for a vacationer. The military build-up of Guam and our neighbor Tinain, relocating Marines from Japan and Okinawa will be the largest US military expenditure in US history. How much this will effect Saipan is unclear, but insiders report the impending military zone surrounding the Marianas islands caused the cancellation of visa waivers to China and Russia to better secure Americas western border.
Foreign nationals, including Russians, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans may take advantage of investing in Saipan through the CNMI retiree or investor visa programs that will guarantee their right to live and/or operate in the CNMI and Guam, which will likely be integrated into the US investor visa program at the end of the transition period, set for 2014. Foreign nationals who capitalize on this window of opportunity by June, 2009, can acquire a visa for investing for as little as 100,000. dollars and a full investor visa for a 250,000. investment.
US federalization of the NMI should have positive effects on the CNMI. The US will add immigration and labor employees, which should have some impact on the local economy, and will also increase law enforcement and accountability support as well. Instability has long been a detractor to investment in the commonwealth and federal intervention will certainly improve investor confidence. There is currently little or no investment in the CNMI from major US or international companies, which could change with stability. Foreign investors have de facto quit current investment and business plans due to uncertainty, the world financial crisis, and to determine how federal regulations will effect foreign investors and contract guest workers. The total number of federal employees in Saipan and how much administration will take place in Guam is unclear.
The demise of the textile industry, the exit announcement of JAL, and the Article 12 land ownership law have driven our real estate prices down. Lack of bank financing has been another peripheral effect of our protectionist land alienation.
Our property values spiraled upward in the late 80's and early 90's on speculation from Japanese investors. Our real estate crashed and has never recovered from the boom time. Our land continued a downward trend through the Asian economic crisis of the mid and late 90's and 2004/2005 brought more grim news to our prospective.
The Jan. 1, 2005 free trade agreement effectively ended the garment industry and their trade advantage here.
Construction costs are still reasonable, but this has not generated much new construction. We have an abundance of Filipino and Chinese labor (currently 4.05 per hour rising in .50 increments along with the US minimum wage hike) and now import materials directly from the Asian mainland(a substantial savings as compared to US products). Rising wages and increased shipping costs due to the volatile price of oil will increase construction costs here, closing the current window of opportunity.
The CNMI total population will drop sharply minus revenue generated by the textile industry coupled with an economy in crisis and transitioning into US wage law. Residents are mixed on whether garment industry revenues were worth their adverse societal effects, but either way, Saipan's population will drop significantly.
The status of thousands of long unheard, unrepresented, and disenfranchised alien guest workers, some who have resided in the Marianas for over a generation and have US citizen children and grandchildren, has apparently, again been tabled to a later date. The law requires their status be addressed within 2 years.
The CNMI Article 12 (NMD indigenous land alienation law)has driven realty prices lower more than any other single factor. Only persons of indigenous Northern Marianas decent can own land and others acquire a 55 year lease on real property. This law expires in 2011 unless the local Congress is able to abolish it early. Residents are evenly split on the land issue. Some feel it protects the land for future generations, most believe it has driven the land values down, and many non-NMD residents and tourists feel it is racist. Legislation to extend the lease law to 75 years was recently defeated in the NMI House of Representatives. President-elect Obama and a Democratic US Congress will enact economic stimulus incentives to encourage real estate investment that will send US prime lending rates from 0 to 4%. The CNMI will miss this opportunity throughout 2009 because lending institutions are apprehensive about loaning money against our crippled leasehold positions. Changing to a 75 year lease would not incite outside investment or create mortgage lending. If the NMI Congress changed to a 99 year lease, federal lending would then be available to NMI residents and potential investors.
Recent news says the Japanese government and President-elect Obama may review the the Marine relocation plans, specifically involving Okinawa, which would at least delay the move to Guam and Tinian.
In conclusion, we are an island paradise blessed with the worlds best weather, trade wind breezes, turquoise ocean for water sports and diving, indescribable sunsets and vistas, spectacular beaches, minimal traffic, and a laid back pace that makes us Americas most exotic tropical destination. We are also the most favorable tax structure on US soil(by far) and NMI residents are the only Americans not required to pay US federal income tax.
Opportunity here would seem to be great for several groups, especially foreign nationals executing a retiree or investor visa prior to June, 2009, contractors and vendors supporting the US military build-up, local islanders gaining stability from US intervention, and those wanting to build or invest before a certain rise in construction costs.
Mr. Ron Hodges:
Pray tell... you obviously did not clear your last rant with Mr. Jeff Turbitt, your controller. Or did you?
A retiree visa? Give me a break!
Retirees require a reasonable medical system. CHC is in serious financial trouble and on the edge of cancelling elective surgery.
Our poor medical services is a detractor for tourists and investors and probably falls somewhere between 10th and 75th, of our top 100 serious issues on Saipan, depending on whether or not you are sick.
Unlicensed bonie dogs were in at 97th, with lack of big bands moving up to 91st from 112 along with a first time top 100 contender of the need for a local brewed beer rounded out the list at 100, and power outages has dropped from number 3rd in the August poll to a 2008 yearly low of 34th.
a criminal governor and and idiodic congress still hold our 1st and 2nd top slots.
These comments about Fitial being "criminal" are made by Kumoi Guerrero and his ilk or other wanna be's to siphon votes away from BenTan.
If Uncle Ben were so bad, wouldn't the feds have indicted him by now? If you're looking for corruption, check out Juan N. Babauta or Froilan C. Tenorio.
We have plenty of worse problems than a lame duck governor.
Speaking of which, those guest workers who won't be gone because there is no work for them will be gone soon enough because of federalization, unless they qualify for green cards, like nurses, doctors, and similar professionals.
"Transitional Worker Program
The CNRA authorized a program to grant nonimmigrant status to workers needed by CNMI employers who are not otherwise eligible for an employment-based status under the INA during the transition period. This program may be extended beyond the five-year duration of the transition program by the Secretary of Labor, but ultimately the number of transitional workers must be reduced to zero. The CNRA provides that the program should promote the maximum use of, and prevent adverse effects on wages and working conditions of, workers authorized to be employed in the United States."
http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/gc_1225725411526.shtm#6 (emphasis added).
Saipan will be a better place when locals making higher wages are scrubbing the floor and operating taxis.
I would agree that Fitial is not our only boob and that Froilan and Juan wasted our tax dollars like it was their money.
The US is looking out for us whether we know it or not. The US will limit people residing here that are not investors and have not invested to live here. We will then have more people with money and a stake here, reduced NMi govt jobs, more locals working in the private sector, and higher wages for all.
Desperate poor do not for a healthy community make.
God Bless America and God Bless the Commonwealth.
Ben, Willie, Tom Delay, and I could get the Russians and Chinese visas/tourists back here but be careful what you wish for as your dreams just may come true.
Russians, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans can get a retiree visa here for spending 100k and a full investor visa for 250k and both will keep you here throughout the transition period and will then be intergrated into the US INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM!!!
This is a bargain for those anti-federalization sympathizers.
Call A1 at 670-233-1144
fax 670-323-4663
or email a1referrals@yahoo.com
Who says the CNMI Retiree permit will get a federal investor visa?
Better read up on Public Law 110-229, title VII.
Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
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