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04/18/25 - House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez has written to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios asking him to request for an update in the federal delay of CNMI-G Electronic Travel Authorization that has impacted tourist arrivals from the People’s Republic of China to the CNMI.
“I respectfully raise concern over the recent federal action resulting in delays of status determination of the CNMI-G Electronic Travel Authorization allowing visa-free travel for Chinese nationals under the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program. To date, the expected five-day timeframe for status determination has been well exhausted, with no determination status provided since April 5, 2025,” he wrote in an April 16, 2025 letter to Palacios.
CNMI-G ETA is an online application required for certain individuals to travel to Guam and the CNMI under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. It is an automated system used to determine eligibility for visa-free travel and assess potential security risks.
Villagomez added that the prolonged process—implemented without consultation with CNMI leadership—is already straining the islands’ tourism-dependent economy, preventing travelers from booking their flights and visiting the islands.
“Tourism remains a vital pillar of local employment and public financing, and sudden disruptions to this sector risk undermining the very stability we are striving to protect.”
The House speaker said he fully recognizes and support the CNMI's alignment with national security priorities as well as acknowledges Palacios’ consistent leadership in supporting the expansion of U.S. military activity and presence in the region.
However, until the economic benefits associated with the military buildup are fully realized, Villagomez said the CNMI must continue to safeguard the civilian economy that sustains the local community today, particularly, the tourism industry.
A key part of that balance, Villagomes said, is the fair and consistent application of the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program.
He said this program was created in close coordination with federal agencies during the first Trump administration, specifically through Covenant Section 902 consultations—a bilateral process grounded in the Covenant's promise of mutual consultation and respect.
“EVS-TAP was intended to strike a careful balance between economic development and homeland security. It is important that the program continue to be implemented in a manner consistent with its original intent and the spirit of partnership that guided its development.”
Villagomez also alluded to President Trump's Executive Order 14161 of Jan. 20, 2025, titled "Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats," and while it does not expressly mention the EVS-TAP program, he said it may be possible that certain federal agencies are interpreting this E.O. in a manner that is causing the issue at hand.
“If this is the case, we need to know so that we can obtain a reasonable level of transparency and clear communication, consistent with the principles of consultation, cooperation, and shared prosperity, that have long guided our Covenant relationship with the United States.”
He also wrote to Palacios that he has always advocated for transparency, good governance, and intergovernmental coordination that reflects both local and national priorities and in the same vein respectfully request his leadership on the following:
• Seek a formal explanation from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the basis for excessive delays in processing CNMI-G determinations for Chinese tourism to the CNMI under the EVS-TAP;
• Advocate for a pause in enforcement of the current actions until the Commonwealth has been fully consulted and an economic impact assessment conducted;
• Support a structured re-engagement with DHS and federal officials, ideally under a 902-style framework, to preserve the original intent and implementation integrity of the EVS-TAP program.
“Thank you for your continued service to the people of the Commonwealth. I stand ready to work with your administration and our federal partners to address this matter with the urgency it deserves,” he concluded his letter to Palacios.
Villagomez furnished copies of the letter to Palacios to CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Senate President Dennis C. Mendiola, and fellow members of the House of Representatives.
The EVS-TAP program involves electronic screening, a maximum 14-day stay, and additional security measures for PROC nationals traveling to the CNMI and Guam.
Story by Mark Rabago
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