King-Hinds backs PH inclusion in EVS-TAP push

Following Philippine Airlines’ request to include the Philippines in the CNMI’s Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said efforts are underway in Washington, D.C., to expand the program.

King-Hinds, speaking after the March 30 relaunch of the Manila-Saipan route at Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, said expanding EVS-TAP remains central to reviving the CNMI economy.

“Any way to be able to allow the free flow of tourists to come into the CNMI is, I support,” she said, noting that a proposal to include the Philippines had already been submitted and remains under discussion with the Department of Homeland Security and elevated to the White House.

“I’ve been very firm on my position that we need this economy to get back going. And the only way we do that is we get more customers into the CNMI. And so the ease of travel is very critical to that,” she added.

The push comes as EVS-TAP faces renewed scrutiny in the nation’s capital. In early March, 34 House Republicans sent a letter urging the administration to terminate or restrict the program, while senators including Rick Scott, Jim Banks, and Markwayne Mullin have cited concerns over national security, alleged birth tourism, and potential exploitation of visa-free entry.

King-Hinds said much of the opposition is rooted in misperceptions.

“The only thing that I’ve been doing is knocking on every single door to have conversations with people who have signed on to that letter… other members kind of just sign on… not knowing the full impact,” she said. “This is about getting people to understand what the economic realities are on the ground.”

She said competing national issues—from tensions involving Iran to ongoing DHS funding debates—have pushed the CNMI further down the priority list in Washington, D.C.

“The job is to make sure that we don’t fall through the cracks… these national fights are front and center. And the job is to constantly keep knocking on the door,” she said, adding she has met with House Judiciary Committee chair Rep. Jim Jordan, whose panel has jurisdiction over visa policy.

King-Hinds also rejected claims that the program primarily benefits China.

“It’s not about China… it’s about paying employees… restoring school hours… making sure that we have money to pay gas for CUC… This is about the economy. This is about tourism. This is about customers,” she said. “We need customers in order for this economy to be able to keep moving.”

Alongside tourism access, King-Hinds said her office is working to ease pressure from rising fuel costs, which have been exacerbated by global developments and the CNMI’s limited purchasing volume.

“Our problem is volume… the more you buy, the cheaper the fuel is… so we’re looking for alternatives… how do we get the federal government to assist us through some sort of procurement mechanism where we can latch on to some other big fuel purchase,” she said.

She confirmed that discussions are ongoing on whether the CNMI could benefit from a temporary Jones Act waiver similar to Guam’s, though she noted the need to weigh its short-term benefits.

“That’s a conversation definitely that is going on right now,” she said.

King-Hinds also pointed to aging infrastructure at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., saying outdated engines continue to drive inefficiencies.

“Those engines need to be replaced… even if we pursue solar, you still need a distribution system,” she said.

EVS-TAP currently allows pre-screened travelers from China visa-free entry into the CNMI for up to 14 days, limited strictly to the Commonwealth. Proposals to include the Philippines are seen by industry stakeholders as a key step in rebuilding visitor arrivals, particularly as airlines like Philippine Airlines look to sustain newly restored routes.