Hard Work Pays Off – China and Russia Are In, Kilili Announces

Washington, DC — Chinese and Russian visitors will be able to enter the Northern Mariana Islands visa-free after November 28, 2009. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, informed U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan this afternoon that the Department has responded to the constant, continual conversation on this issue with her landmark decision.

“We got what we’ve asked for,” said Sablan. “We are successful.

“Russian and Chinese tourists will continue to come in to the Northern Mariana Islands after November 28. Everyone’s hard work has paid off.”

DHS announced that after November 28, Russian and Chinese tourists will be allowed visa-free into the Commonwealth. The visitors will enter under the “parole” authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security and will be able to stay in the Northern Marianas up to 45 days. The tourists will not be able to enter any other part of the United States.

In order to ensure the security of the borders the Department will examine flight manifests 72 hours before visitors depart for the Marianas, screening out criminals or persons on terrorist watch lists.

“I’ve been assured that all the necessary equipment to do the pre-screening and monitor visitor exits will be in place by November 28,” said Kilili. “I have been very concerned about the Department’s operational readiness, but I’m beginning to see some forward motion.

“I also think that we have to be sure that this capacity is also present for the Rota and Tinian tourist markets. This isn’t just about Saipan.”

Details of the Department’s plans to use the parole system will be worked out over the next weeks; and Congressman Sablan’s office will continue to monitor the Department’s decisions in this regard.

Kilili also offered thanks and congratulations all around. “First, I thank Secretary Napolitano for making this important decision. Chinese and Russian visitors account for 20% of our tourist dollars. The Secretary told me she ‘gets it’ about the economic impact. And today she proved that by her action.

“I also want to thank Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and his Assistant Secretary Anthony Babauta for supporting today’s action. Interior, too, is very aware of the economic importance of these tourists for the Northern Marianas economy and the business community.

“Our friends at the White House also were a big help in getting the State Department and the Department of Defense to sign off on Secretary Napolitano’s decision.

“Most of all I want to congratulate everyone in the Northern Mariana Islands who has worked so hard and for so long to make this happen. Jim Arenovski, who testified here in May, and the entire Chamber of Commerce, including Executive Director Kyle Calabrese were very strong advocates for keeping Russian and Chinese tourists.

“The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, which has such a big stake in this issue, also played an important role, as did the Marianas Visitors Authority Board and Directory Perry Tenorio.

“And, of course, Governor Fitial and the Legislature deserve credit for all of their efforts, as well.

“This is an accomplishment that required a concerted effort and proves how much we can succeed when we work together for the benefit of the Commonwealth.”