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| DHS/USCIS | RIN: 1615-AB76 | Publication ID: Fall 2009 |
| Title: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Transitional Workers Classification | |
| Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is creating a new, temporary, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-only transitional worker classification (CW classification) in accordance with title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA). The transitional worker program is intended to provide for an orderly transition from the CNMI permit system to the U.S. federal immigration system under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). A CW transitional worker is an alien worker who is ineligible for another classification under the INA and who performs services or labor for an employer in the CNMI. The CNRA imposes a five-year transition period before the INA requirements become fully applicable in the CNMI. The new CW classification will be in effect for the duration of that transition period, unless extended by the Secretary of Labor. The rule also establishes employment authorization incident to CW status. | |
| Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS) | Priority: Other Significant |
| RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage |
| Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
| CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2 | |
| Legal Authority: PL 110-229 | |
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Legal Deadline:
None |
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Statement of Need: Title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA) created a new, temporary, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-only transitional worker classification. The transitional worker program is intended to provide for an orderly transition from the CNMI permit system to the U.S. federal immigration system under the Immigration and Nationality Act. |
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Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Each of the estimated 22,000 CNMI transitional workers will be required to pay a $320 fee per year, for an annualized cost to the affected public of $7 million. However, since these workers will not have to pay CNMI fees, the total present value costs of this rule are a net cost savings ranging from $9.8 million to $13.4 million depending on the validity period of CW status (1 or 2 years), whether out-of-status aliens present in the CNMI are eligible for CW status, and the discount rate applied. The intended benefits of the rule include improvements in national and homeland security and protection of human rights. |
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Timetable:
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| Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No | Government Levels Affected: State |
| Federalism: No | |
| Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes | |
| RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
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Agency Contact: Greg Richardson Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW. , 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20529 Phone:202 272-8465 Email: gregory.richardson@dhs.gov |
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