How President’s immigration announcement affects the Northern Marianas

President Obama announced on Thursday that he will be using his executive authority to address the situation of some of the 11 million persons who are not legally present in the United States. Although the Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill in July 2013, the House of Representatives has not taken action. So the President stepped in. His action is primarily aimed at persons who do not have a legal status. In the Northern Marianas CW workers, E-2C investors, and the immediate relatives of U.S. and FAS citizens and caregivers who have been granted humanitarian parole are all legally present. But there may be some in the NMI, who have lost their legal status, who could benefit. The President’s action does not provide any new pathway to citizenship, but may make it easier for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and others eligible for naturalization by allowing the use of credit cards to pay the $680 fee. Currently, only cash, check, or money order is accepted. Further information about the President’s announcement is available here.