CNMI activists, former lawmaker fear family separation, workforce disruption under new USCIS green card policy

Human rights advocates, labor activists, and former lawmaker Edwin K. Propst are warning that a new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy restricting Adjustment of Status applications for green cards could create fear, family separation, and workforce instability in the CNMI.

The new USCIS memorandum issued this week characterizes Adjustment of Status as “extraordinary relief” and signals that many applicants may instead be expected to process immigrant visas overseas.

Propst criticized the policy, saying it punishes immigrants already living legally in the United States.

“This policy makes immigration harder for people already living legally in the United States,” Propst said. “Many students, workers, and families follow the rules, build their lives here, and contribute to their communities.”

He said requiring applicants to leave the country to complete the green card process overseas creates “unnecessary stress, financial hardship, and possible family separation.”

Propst said Adjustment of Status has long allowed eligible immigrants to remain employed and keep families together while pursuing permanent residency.

“Limiting it to only ‘extraordinary circumstances’ will likely create confusion, longer delays, and a more expensive and unpredictable immigration process,” he added.

Workers rights activist Carlitos Marquez said the CNMI’s foreign worker community has long struggled for more secure immigration status.

"Back in 2011, we already fought for the welfare of long-term foreign workers here in the CNMI," Marquez said.

He added workers waiting for immigrant petitions should make sure they maintain valid permits and employment authorization while policy uncertainties continue.

"It is probably only right for our fellow citizens to maintain a valid permit if they are waiting for their petition for a year or more so they won't be hit by the new policy memo," Marquez said.

Malou Berueco, another workers rights activist, warned the policy could hit both families and the CNMI economy hard.

“For families, this policy creates fear and uncertainty,” Berueco said. “Some parents may be forced to choose between continuing the green card application process or remaining with their children.”

She said family separation could bring “serious emotional and financial consequences.”

Berueco also said the CNMI economy remains fragile following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and years of economic struggles.

“Foreign workers continue to play an important role in supporting local businesses, especially in healthcare, tourism, construction, and many other industries,” she said.

“If many workers are required to leave the CNMI for overseas processing, businesses that are already short-staffed may suffer even more.”

Berueco said she recently helped prepare three green card applications but is now reconsidering whether to submit them because of the uncertainty surrounding the policy.

“For me, at this moment, those who are still eligible to renew their EAD under the C-37 category should consider maintaining that status for now and take a wait-and-see approach,” she said.