Pacific / Northern Marianas

CNMI Congressman warns against 'disastrous' policies

14:12 pm on 25 March 2016

The Northern Marianas delegate to the US Congress, Gregorio Kilili Sablan, has warned against the disastrous immigration policies touted by the Republican presidential candidates.

Mr Sablan told the Saipan Tribune neither Ted Cruz nor Donald Trump would likely change their positions to accommodate the territory if elected.

Both men called for an end to the US visa waiver programme after the terrorist attacks in Belgium this week.

Mr Trump, who has been endorsed by territory's governor Ralph Torres, has also called for a temporary ban on Muslims into the US and wants to build a wall along the Mexican border.

Mr Sablan said shutting down borders was not the answer and what the Republican frontrunners had proposed in terms of immigration would be disastrous for the CNMI's tourism and labour markets.

Mr Sablan, a Democrat, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for the party's nomination to contest the presidency.

Gregorio Sablan Photo: RNZI Mark Rabago