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DHS/USCIS RIN: 1615-AB76 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: ●Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Transitional Workers Classification 
Abstract: This rule proposes to implement provisions of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 to provide for a transition for a sizable population of temporary workers in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to workers admitted under the Immigration and Nationality Act. 
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2   
Legal Authority: PL 110-229   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: This rule is required by a statute that requires the Federal Government to assume responsibility for visas for entry to the CNMI by non-resident workers.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA), P.L. 110-229, enacted on May 8, 2008, extends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in full to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Alternatives: This rule is required by statute and alternatives were not considered.

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.

Risks: The effect of this rule on the CNMI economy is uncertain at this point. The Senate Report of Public Law 110-229 states that there are risks to the homeland security as a result of the lack of integrity in the CNMI immigration system that resulted in the passage of the legislation requiring this rule’s promulgation.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/00/2008    
NPRM Comment Period End  01/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: State 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sophia Cox
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., 2nd Floor,
Washington, DC 20529
Phone:202 272-1522
Email: sophia.cox@dhs.gov