In a recent town hall forum organized by the Marianas Business Network, five candidates vying for the CNMI delegate seat shared their perspectives on the impending phase-out of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program, set to conclude in 2029. Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted the urgent need for workforce stabilization and criticized the lengthy processing times for CW applications, which she believes hinder the local economy. Jim Rayphand emphasized the importance of collecting data on workforce needs and suggested increasing funding for apprenticeship programs to better prepare local workers for available jobs [b029e0c1].
Liana Hofschneider voiced her opposition to federal immigration control over the CNMI, advocating for more autonomy in managing local labor needs. Edwin K. Propst expressed support for House Resolution 560, which aims to facilitate long-term employment opportunities for workers, and called for collaboration with Guam to develop effective visa policies that cater to the region's unique circumstances [b029e0c1].
John Oliver Gonzales proposed a CNMI-only policy that would be based on comprehensive labor data to ensure that local workforce needs are met without relying heavily on external labor. The candidates also discussed strategies for securing federal funding, with Hofschneider and Gonzales focusing on enhancing military partnerships, while Propst highlighted the strategic geography of the CNMI as a leverage point for attracting investment and resources [b029e0c1].
These discussions come in the wake of a resolution passed by the Mariana Islands Legislature Association, which calls for the repeal of the CNMI-Only Workers Program and the establishment of a Marianas Visa Program to better address the labor demands in both Guam and the CNMI. The proposed program aims to retain fees for workforce training and streamline the hiring of non-U.S. workers to support local industries [0c2738ea].