"Touchback" Trauma: Visa Chaos Under "One Voice" in CNMI
- CNMIGA .ORG
- Mar 3
- 7 min read
"One Voice" Resounds: Reclaiming CNMI for American Workers
President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14211,
"One Voice for America's Foreign Relations," isn't just another policy document; it's a seismic event set to reshape the economic and social landscape of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). For too long, the CNMI has been a case study in the perils of over-reliance on cheap foreign labor, a dependence that has stunted local growth and created a complex web of inequalities. "One Voice" represents a potential hard reset, a chance to reclaim the CNMI for American workers and build a more sustainable future.
CNMI: An Island Addicted to Cheap Labor
The history of the CNMI's labor practices is a cautionary tale. The now-defunct garment industry, once the islands' economic engine, was fueled by exploitative labor practices, importing workers from Asia and paying them substandard wages. When the garment industry collapsed, the reliance on foreign workers didn't disappear; instead, it shifted to other sectors like construction, tourism, and service. The island became addicted to cheap, easily exploitable labor, a dependence that has proven difficult to break.
Proponents of this system often argue that foreign labor fills essential jobs that local residents are unwilling or unable to do. However, critics point to the devastating consequences: depressed wages, a lack of skills development among the local workforce, and a widening gap between the haves and have-nots. The CNMI has become a microcosm of the broader debate about immigration, globalization, and the fate of the American worker.
"One Voice": A Call to Action
Executive Order 14211 injects a powerful new element into this debate. By mandating strict adherence to the President's foreign policy agenda and tasking the Foreign Service to ensure "faithful and effective implementation," the order sends an unambiguous message: the U.S. government intends to prioritize American interests above all else. This means a fundamental re-evaluation of labor practices in regions like the CNMI, which have historically operated outside the mainstream of American labor standards.
The order’s implications are vast and far-reaching, affecting everything from visa processing to employer accountability. It is a declaration that the days of unchecked foreign labor exploitation in American territories are coming to an end.
The Shadowland: Undocumented Workers in Fear of Deportation
For the CNMI’s undocumented foreign workers, "One Voice" intensifies an already precarious situation. The order's emphasis on strict enforcement, along with its mandate for agencies to ensure "faithful implementation" of the President’s policies, increases the risk of detection and deportation. These workers, often trapped in low-wage jobs and lacking basic protections, now face even greater pressure to remain invisible.
This environment of fear can lead to further exploitation. Unscrupulous employers may capitalize on the vulnerability of undocumented workers, offering even lower wages and worse working conditions. The lack of legal recourse makes these workers easy targets, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and marginalization.
Employers on Notice: The High Cost of Illegality
Businesses that have historically relied on undocumented labor in the CNMI will now face increased scrutiny and potentially severe penalties. "One Voice" signals a shift toward aggressive enforcement of immigration laws, which could trigger more frequent audits, hefty fines, and even criminal charges for employers caught hiring illegal aliens.
This new reality may force businesses to make difficult choices. Some may decide to shift to legal workers, even if it means paying higher wages and providing better benefits. Others, unwilling or unable to adapt, may be forced to shutter their doors, further disrupting the CNMI’s already fragile economy. The era of easy profits based on the exploitation of undocumented labor is drawing to a close.
CNMI's Employment Landscape: A New Dawn for American Labor?
"One Voice" has the potential to fundamentally reshape the CNMI’s employment landscape. As foreign labor becomes more difficult and costly to obtain, employers may be compelled to invest in training and recruiting local workers. This could create significant opportunities for CNMI residents, particularly those who have struggled to find meaningful employment in the past.
However, this transition will not be seamless. Many CNMI residents may lack the specific skills and experience required for certain jobs, and employers may be hesitant to hire them without adequate training. Robust government initiatives and public-private partnerships will be essential to bridge this skills gap and ensure that local workers are equipped to fill the jobs vacated by foreign laborers.
"Touchback" Trauma: Visa Delays and Bureaucratic Nightmares
The CNMI’s unique immigration system often requires foreign workers to "touchback" to their home countries to renew visas or apply for new ones. "One Voice," coupled with existing staff shortages at U.S. embassies and consulates, is likely to exacerbate delays in visa processing, creating a bureaucratic nightmare for both workers and employers.
As embassies prioritize cases aligned with the President’s foreign policy agenda, visa applications from CNMI workers may face additional scrutiny and longer processing times. This could lead to significant disruptions for businesses that rely on these workers, as well as for the workers themselves, who may be unable to return to their jobs in a timely manner. The "touchback" system, already cumbersome, could become a major bottleneck under the new policy.
Foreign Workers = Voiceless: Litigating Without Resources
"One Voice" raises serious concerns about access to justice for foreign workers in the CNMI. Many of these workers lack the financial resources to hire experienced immigration attorneys to litigate their cases. With immigration laws becoming more complex and enforcement efforts intensifying, these individuals are at a significant disadvantage.
Without competent legal representation, these workers may be unable to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, challenge unfair treatment, or assert their fundamental rights. This disparity in access to legal services could further exacerbate existing inequalities and create a two-tiered system of justice, where those with resources are able to protect their interests, while the vulnerable are left to fend for themselves.
A Glimmer of Hope: American Workers on the Rise
For indigenous and underemployed Americans in the CNMI, "One Voice" represents a potential turning point. For years, these individuals have witnessed their jobs, homes, and livelihoods being outsourced to imported cheap labor, often with the explicit or implicit approval of government officials. The current administration, mired in its own political priorities, has often turned a blind eye to the plight of American workers.
Now, with "One Voice," there is a renewed opportunity to reverse this trend and create a more level playing field. By reducing the availability of cheap foreign labor, the order can help drive up wages and create new opportunities for American workers. The CNMI can become a model for how to prioritize American workers without resorting to xenophobia or discrimination.
This opportunity, however, must be seized with decisive action. Government officials and community leaders must work together to provide robust job training, skills development, and other essential resources to help American workers compete for available jobs. Employers must be incentivized to prioritize hiring American workers and invest in their long-term success.
Reclaiming the Promise: Higher Wages and a Fair Chance
"One Voice" must be seen as more than just a policy shift; it is a powerful call to action. It is a recognition that American workers have been neglected for too long and that it is time to prioritize their interests, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and thrive in the CNMI economy.
The CNMI must embrace this opportunity to redefine its economic model, prioritizing its local workforce and building a future where American workers can flourish. This requires a concerted effort from government, businesses, and community leaders to invest in education, training, and support systems that empower American workers to succeed in the 21st-century economy. Only then can the promise of "One Voice" be fully realized, creating a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable CNMI for generations to come.
We must demand a future of prosperity, higher wages, and less competition from imported cheap labor. Let us unite and work towards a CNMI where American workers can not only survive but thrive, achieving their full potential and contributing to a vibrant and prosperous community. The time for action is now.
Specific Action Items:
Legislation: The CNMI government needs to enact legislation that actively promotes the hiring of American workers. This could include tax incentives for businesses that prioritize hiring local residents, as well as penalties for companies that consistently discriminate against American applicants.
Skills Training Programs: Comprehensive skills training programs must be developed and implemented, focusing on the specific industries that are growing in the CNMI, such as tourism, construction, and technology. These programs should be accessible to all CNMI residents, regardless of their background or prior education.
Mandated Mentorship and Apprenticeships: Mentorship and apprenticeship programs can provide invaluable hands-on experience for American workers, allowing them to learn directly from industry professionals and gain the skills they need to succeed.
Enforcement of Labor Laws: Existing labor laws must be rigorously enforced to ensure that all workers, regardless of their nationality, are treated fairly and paid a living wage. This will help to level the playing field and prevent employers from exploiting vulnerable workers.
Community Outreach: Community outreach programs are essential to connect American workers with available job opportunities and provide them with the support they need to succeed. These programs should be tailored to the specific needs of the CNMI community and should involve local leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
It’s Time to Rebuild
The CNMI can rise from the ashes to be an example for the rest of the U.S. as a place that promotes hard work for its citizens and pays them a fair, living wage.
About the Author
Zaji “Persona Non Grata” Zajradhara is a staunch advocate for American workers and indigenous rights in the CNMI. Labeled a “persona non grata” by the CNMI government for his relentless pursuit of justice and his outspoken criticism of corruption and foreign influence, Zajradhara has become a symbol of resistance against the forces seeking to undermine American sovereignty in the islands.
As An Unemployed Afro-Latino-Seminole American resident and father, Zajradhara's firsthand experience with the CNMI’s dysfunctional labor market, its rigged political system, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities has fueled his activism. He has filed numerous legal claims against companies, including Tan Holdings, for violating labor laws and discriminating against American workers.
His unwavering commitment to exposing the truth, challenging the status quo, and demanding accountability has made him a thorn in the side of the CNMI establishment and a target of their efforts to silence him. However, Zajradhara remains undeterred, determined to fight for the rights of American workers and to protect the CNMI from the grip of foreign influence.
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