Discusses factors that will affect the potential economic impact of implementing the legislation applying U.S. immigration law to the CNMI. The CNMI has admitted substantial numbers of foreign workers. In 2005, these workers represented a majority of the CNMI labor force and out-numbered U.S. citizens in most industries, incl. garment manufacturing and tourism, which have been central to the CNMI's economy. The recent immigration legislation establishes fed. control of CNMI immigration. This testimony examines factors that will affect the potential impact of the legislation's implementation on the CNMI's labor market, particularly foreign workers; on its tourism sector; and on foreign investment in the CNMI. Illus. This is a print on demand report.

In 2007, the U.S. enacted a law incrementally raising the minimum wages in Amer. Samoa and the Commonwealth of the N. Mariana Islands (CNMI) until they equal the U.S. minimum wage. Amer. Samoa¿s minimum wage increased by 50¢ three times, and the CNMI¿s four times before legislation delayed the increases, providing for no increase in Amer. Samoa in 2010 or 2011 and none in the CNMI in 2011. Recent economic declines in both areas reflect the closure of one of two canneries in Amer. Samoa and the departure of the garment industry in the CNMI. This report describes, since the increases began: (1) employment and earnings; and (2) the status of key industries. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

In May 2008, the United States enacted the Consolidated Natural Resources Act (CNRA), amending the United States' Covenant with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to establish federal control of CNMI immigration in 2009, with several CNMI-specific provisions affecting foreign workers and investors during a transition. CNRA required this report on implementation of federal immigration law in the CNMI. The report describes the steps federal agencies have taken to: (1) secure the border in the CNMI; and (2) implement CNRA with regard to workers, visitors, and investors. The report reviewed federal laws, regulations, and agency documents; met with U.S. and CNMI officials; and observed federal operations in the CNMI.

The Dept. of the Interior is responsible for managing much of the nation's vast natural resources. Its agencies implement an array of programs intended to protect these precious resources for future generations while also allowing certain uses of them, such as oil and gas dev¿t. and recreation. Interior faces major mgmt. challenges in the following six areas: (1) Strengthening resource protection; (2) Strengthening the accountability of Indian and island community programs; (3) Improving fed. land acquisition and mgmt.; (4) Reducing Interior's deferred maintenance backlog; (5) Ensuring the accurate collection of royalties; and (6) Enhancing other revenue collections and financial assurances. Illustrations.