Addressing Delays Affecting CNMI Workers

Administrative challenges with renewing employment authorization documents for CNMI Long-Term Residents are putting a significant portion of our workforce at risk. A large number of workers could be affected, not because they lack authorization to work, but because delays and errors in processing are preventing them from maintaining valid documentation. That is why I wrote to Joseph B. Edlow to raise this issue affecting workers and businesses across the CNMI. My office has heard from hundreds of individuals who have followed the rules and submitted their applications, only to face rejections, returns, or applications that were never receipted. This creates uncertainty for workers and employers alike. I have asked USCIS to take immediate administrative steps to address this, including automatic extensions for timely renewals and a more consistent and expedited process. These individuals are lawfully present in the CNMI and part of our workforce. The system should reflect the role they play in our community and our economy, and we are working to see that it does.