Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act

This bill would extend the federal program that lets employers in the Northern Mariana Islands hire foreign workers under special permits, moving the end date from December 31, 2029, to at least December 31, 2039. The Secretary of Labor could extend the program further in periods of up to 10 years after reviewing the islands' labor needs. The bill would let the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with the Governor, set a yearly permit limit of up to 15,000, plus 3,000 extra permits each year for construction workers. It would add a $150 fee per employer petition to fund immigration enforcement, allow certain long-term workers to receive 3-year permits, and change wage and labor certification rules to match those used in Guam. It would also exempt certain former transitional workers who stayed in the islands from a bar on returning after unlawful presence.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Kimberlyn King-Hinds Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors