Monday, March 29, 2010
Local
Monday, March 29, 2010

ADVICE TO CONFUSED WORKERS, EMPLOYERS
'Continue coordinating with CNMI Labor'

By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter

Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham said alien workers and employers who are confused about the conflicting views of the federal and CNMI governments on umbrella permits should continue to coordinate with the Department of Labor.

Buckingham told Saipan Tribune that workers should attend to their scheduled return date to Labor and continue to obey all CNMI and U.S. laws.

“I have a legal opinion on this matter (umbrella permits issue),” Buckingham said, adding that he respects a difference of opinion with federal officials.

The federal government's position is that the CNMI Labor lost its authority to revoke the umbrella permits after the federalization law took effect on Nov. 28, 2009. CNMI Labor and Buckingham dispute this.

Walter Haith, the Guam/CNMI U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office director, said in a recent forum that the federal government is certain in its views on the umbrella permit and authority over nonresident workers, but it is ultimately the decision of workers and employers whom they will believe and follow.

The CIS official also suggested to workers and employers to see their office or Federal Ombudsman Pamela Brown if they have problems with their umbrella permits.

Haith said employers should also consult their legal counsel if they have doubts.

Buckingham disclosed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue to work with Labor at the operational level.

“We have a recent case where the ICE agent inquired about the umbrella permit. Labor advised them there was a permit,” Buckingham said.

The ICE agent, the AG said, stated that the foreign national worker had been convicted of a sex offense against a minor and if Labor would revoke the umbrella permit.

“Labor said it would take steps to revoke. ICE said it would work with Labor after the umbrella permit was revoked so the person could be deported,” Buckingham added.