An Open Letter to the USDA -Rural Development Section

To: Mr. Basil Gooden, Under Secretary for Rural Development, USDA

Ms. Jacki Ponti-Lazaruk, CIO, Rural Development, USDA

Mr. Joaquin Altoro, Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA

Mr. Chris Kanazawa, State Director, USDA Rural Development Hawaii

From: Zaji O. Zajradhara, Concerned Citizen living in the Corrupt CNMI and Advocate and Member for/of Afro-Latino, Black, Seminole, and Native American Communities in the CNMI

Date: May 05, 2024

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Address Systemic Discrimination and Fraudulent Misuse of Federal Programs in the CNMI

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the rampant and systemic discrimination against Afro-Latino, Black, Seminole, and Native American communities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) regarding access to federal programs and services administered by the USDA Rural Development.

It has become abundantly clear that the CNMI government actively and intentionally prioritizes non-American citizens, particularly those with CW-1 visas and their “anchor babies”, in the allocation of federal resources. This comes at the direct expense of legitimate American citizens, including indigenous and relocated individuals from the mainland, who are routinely denied access and face significant barriers to participation.

Evidence of Systemic Discrimination and Fraud:

CNMI Article XII: The CNMI Constitution, specifically Article XII, Sections 1-6, blatantly restricts land ownership to individuals of “Northern Marianas Descent”, creating a system that excludes and disadvantages those who do not meet this narrow definition. This creates a significant barrier for relocating Americans seeking to establish roots and businesses in the CNMI.

Discriminatory Practices in Business and Housing: My own experience, along with countless others, has revealed a disturbing pattern of discrimination in accessing business loans and housing opportunities. Banks routinely deny loans to minority Americans, while the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation prioritizes family members of its employees over individuals with genuine needs, leaving many on impossibly long waiting lists; further, the NMHC will do NOTHING regarding overt Commercial Discrimination-citing ARTICLE 12.

Misuse of CARES Act and other Federal Funds: The recent desk review conducted by the Treasury OIG (OIG-CA-23-039) exposed significant issues with the CNMI’s use of CARES Act funds, including $11.1 million in questioned costs due to lack of supporting documentation and potential ineligibility. This demonstrates a blatant disregard for federal guidelines and raises serious concerns about mismanagement and potential fraud.

Rampant Visa Fraud: The CNMI has a documented history of visa fraud, as evidenced by numerous cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office. This creates a system where federal resources intended for American citizens are diverted to individuals who are in the CNMI illegally.

Collusion and Corruption: Instances like the sentencing of the former president of the Manpower Agency for visa fraud and the investigation into the CNMI's use of ARPA funds highlight the deep-rooted corruption within the government and its willingness to collude with foreign entities to defraud federal programs.

Call to Action:

The USDA Rural Development must take immediate and decisive action to address these issues and ensure equitable access to federal programs for all American citizens in the CNMI. 

This includes:

Conducting a comprehensive audit of all USDA Rural Development programs in the CNMI to identify instances of discrimination and fraudulent activity.

Implementing stricter oversight and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and prevent the misuse of funds.

Establishing clear and transparent criteria for program eligibility that prioritizes American citizens and prevents discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Investigating and dismantling the "familial fraud" networks that have captured control of federal programs for the benefit of a select few.

Providing support and resources to empower Afro-Latino, Black, Seminole, and Native American communities to advocate for their rights and access the programs and services they rightfully deserve.

The current situation in the CNMI is unacceptable and demands immediate intervention.

 I urge the USDA Rural Development to take swift and comprehensive action to uphold its mission of serving rural communities and ensuring equal opportunity for all.

Sincerely,

Zaji O. Zajradhara

CNMIGA.ORG

The Fifth Column Within: Economic Dependence and National Security Risks

The CNMI's overdependence on foreign labor, primarily from China and the Philippines, fosters a "fifth column" dynamic. 

This term describes a group within a country that secretly supports its enemies. In the CNMI's case, it manifests as a sinophilic bias, an economic allegiance to China that undermines American interests. This bias is evident in the unchecked influx of Chinese workers and businesses, often facilitated by visa fraud and corruption. This creates a vulnerability that China could exploit, jeopardizing regional security and American strategic interests in the Pacific.

Food Security Under Threat: A Nation Held Hostage

Further exacerbating the situation is China's growing control over the CNMI's food supply. This dependence places a vital resource in the hands of a nation with an increasingly adversarial stance towards the US. It effectively holds the CNMI hostage, leaving the indigenous population vulnerable and with limited options. This lack of long-term vision and the short-sighted pursuit of immediate economic gains, without considering the broader geopolitical implications, poses a significant threat to the CNMI's autonomy and stability.

Squandering American Taxpayer Dollars: A Culture of Waste and Fraud

The CNMI government's track record of fiscal mismanagement raises serious concerns. Hundreds of millions of American taxpayer dollars have been squandered through waste, fraud, and abuse. These funds, intended to support the territory's development, often end up flowing back to China and other countries through remittances and corrupt practices. The lack of accountability and transparency within the CNMI government perpetuates this cycle, leaving American taxpayers to shoulder the burden.

 Remittance Tax as a Solution

To address these critical issues, the CNMI must implement a remittance tax on foreign workers' earnings. This measure would generate much-needed revenue for the territory, reduce its dependence on foreign capital, and incentivize reinvestment in the local economy. The revenue generated could be used to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, fostering long-term economic growth and stability.

Congressional Oversight: Tightening the Fiscal Belt

If the CNMI government fails to take decisive action, Congress must intervene. Implementing stricter fiscal controls and oversight, including the appointment of a federal comptroller, would ensure accountability and prevent further misuse of American taxpayer funds. This would also send a clear message that the US will not tolerate the CNMI's continued fiscal irresponsibility and its detrimental impact on national security.

Protecting American Interests: A Patriotic Duty

The situation in the CNMI demands immediate attention. Implementing a remittance tax and strengthening fiscal oversight are crucial steps towards safeguarding American interests in the region. We must act decisively to protect our national security, ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and promote the long-term well-being of the CNMI and its people. This is not just a matter of fiscal responsibility but a patriotic duty to protect our nation's interests in a strategically vital region.

The Trojan Horse of the Pacific: Are Filipinos Paving the Way for Chinese Dominance in the CNMI?

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) finds itself at a crossroads, facing not only economic hardship but also a potential threat to its very identity and allegiance. While the influx of Filipino workers has provided a temporary economic band-aid, it may be masking a more insidious agenda – one that aligns with the expansionist ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The CNMI, a US territory, has long grappled with economic instability. To alleviate this, it has become heavily reliant on foreign labor, particularly from the Philippines. This reliance, however, may be creating a dangerous vulnerability, turning the CNMI into a potential Trojan Horse for Chinese influence. The CCP has been actively courting the Filipino government and various political factions within the country, investing heavily in infrastructure projects and forging economic partnerships. This raises a critical question: are Filipinos being used as a proxy to establish a foothold for Chinese dominance in the CNMI?

The evidence is concerning. The influx of Filipino workers into the CNMI has coincided with a surge in Chinese investment and tourism. This confluence of events raises the possibility of a coordinated strategy – one that utilizes Filipinos as a bridgehead for Chinese economic and political influence. Furthermore, the rampant CW-1 visa fraud and corruption within the CNMI create fertile ground for exploitation by external actors, including the CCP.

The implications of this potential scenario are far-reaching. The CNMI's strategic location in the Pacific makes it a valuable asset for the US military. A shift in allegiance towards China would not only jeopardize American military interests but also destabilize the entire region. Moreover, the cultural and social fabric of the CNMI could be irrevocably altered, eroding its unique identity and connection to the United States.

The time for action is now. The CNMI government must implement a remittance tax on foreign workers' earnings to curb the outflow of capital and incentivize reinvestment in the local economy. This would not only generate much-needed revenue but also reduce the territory's dependence on foreign actors, including China. Additionally, the US Congress should increase scrutiny and oversight of the CNMI government's financial dealings to ensure transparency and accountability.

The CNMI stands at a precipice. It must choose between remaining a steadfast US territory or succumbing to the Trojan Horse of Chinese influence. Implementing a remittance tax and strengthening financial oversight are crucial steps towards safeguarding the CNMI's future and preserving its unique identity as part of the American family. Failure to act could have dire consequences, not only for the CNMI but for the entire Indo-Pacific region.

American Taxpayers: Shouldering the Burden of CNMI's Misguided Policies

While the CNMI government pursues its short-sighted economic policies, American taxpayers are left to foot the bill for the territory's financial woes. The CNMI receives substantial federal funding each year, a significant portion of which is used to support social welfare programs for non-resident workers and their families. This includes healthcare, education, and housing assistance – benefits that many American citizens on the mainland struggle to access.

The irony is stark: American taxpayers, many of whom face economic hardship themselves, are subsidizing the CNMI's dependence on foreign labor, a dependence that may ultimately undermine American interests and security. This is not only fiscally irresponsible but also morally reprehensible. American citizens should not be forced to bear the financial burden of the CNMI's misguided policies, especially when those policies potentially benefit an adversarial nation like China.

A Call for Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Vision

The CNMI government must wake up to the reality of its situation. It cannot continue to rely on the largesse of American taxpayers while pursuing policies that undermine American interests. The territory needs to adopt a long-term strategic vision, one that prioritizes economic diversification, fiscal responsibility, and a renewed commitment to its relationship with the United States.

Implementing a remittance tax is a crucial first step. This would generate revenue, reduce dependence on foreign capital, and signal a willingness to prioritize the territory's long-term well-being over short-term gains. Additionally, the CNMI government must address the issue of visa fraud and corruption head-on, holding those responsible accountable and implementing measures to prevent future abuses.

The United States has a responsibility to ensure the security and prosperity of its territories. However, this responsibility is not a blank check. The CNMI government must demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic vision, aligning its policies with American interests and values. Failure to do so could force the US Congress to take more drastic measures, such as imposing stricter financial controls or even reconsidering the territory's current political status.

The future of the CNMI hangs in the balance. It is time for the territory's leaders to step up and make the tough decisions necessary to secure a brighter future for their people, one that aligns with their heritage as part of the American family. The time for complacency and short-sightedness is over. The CNMI must choose a path of fiscal responsibility, strategic vision, and unwavering loyalty to the United States.

#CNMI #ForeignLabor #EconomicDependency #SinophilicBias #VisaFraud #RegionalSecurity #FoodSecurity #ChineseInfluence #FiscalMismanagement #RemittanceTax #CongressionalOversight #AmericanInterests #FilipinoWorkers #ChineseDominance #TrojanHorse #USMilitary #FinancialOversight #AmericanTaxpayers #FiscalResponsibility #StrategicVision #AmericanValues #TerritorialSecurity #CNMIGA.ORG

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