Immigration – Rick Scott Proposes Bill to End CNMI Visa Waiver Access

Immigration – US Senator Rick Scott has introduced new legislation aimed at tightening immigration controls by preventing Chinese nationals from entering any part of the United States without a valid visa. The proposal seeks to eliminate their access to visa-free travel programs that currently apply to certain American territories in the Pacific.

Proposed Legislation Targets Visa-Free Entry

Scott’s bill, titled the One Nation, One Visa Policy Act, would formally block Chinese citizens from participating in programs that allow entry into US territories without a traditional visa. Among the programs affected is the Guam–Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Visa Waiver Program, which permits limited short-term travel under specific conditions.

In announcing the legislation, Scott said the measure is intended to ensure that all individuals from China seeking entry into US jurisdictions undergo standard immigration screening and visa procedures.

Lawmakers Raise National Security Concerns

Scott argued that the existing framework has exposed vulnerabilities in US border and immigration policy. He referenced reports suggesting that visa-free access to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has been used in ways that raise national security concerns.

According to Scott, eliminating what he described as a “loophole” would prevent any US territory from being used as an indirect pathway to the mainland. He stated that the legislation is designed to reinforce uniform immigration standards across all states and territories.

In mid-January, Scott joined Senators Jim Banks and Markwayne Mullin in sending a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. In that correspondence, the senators called for an end to policies they say have allowed expedited entry into CNMI without the same level of vetting required elsewhere in the country.

Scrutiny Over Birth Tourism and Surrogacy

The senators’ letter cited a Wall Street Journal investigation highlighting concerns about Chinese nationals using US surrogacy arrangements and birth tourism in CNMI. Lawmakers pointed to a sharp increase in births on the island of Saipan over the past decade involving visiting mothers from China.

Data referenced in the letter indicates that annual births to Chinese nationals in CNMI rose significantly between 2009 and 2018. The senators argued that such trends could create long-term legal and immigration implications, as children born in US territories are granted American citizenship under the Constitution.

They also expressed concern that some individuals may have attempted to travel onward from CNMI to other US locations without proper authorization. Federal prosecutions in recent years have addressed smuggling operations between Saipan and Guam, which lawmakers cited as further evidence of systemic gaps.

Background of the Visa Waiver Program

The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program was introduced in 2009 during the administration of former President Barack Obama. Its primary objective was to stimulate tourism and economic development in the Pacific territories by simplifying entry procedures for certain foreign travelers.

Under the program, eligible passport holders, including those from Hong Kong, can enter CNMI for up to 45 days without a standard tourist visa. A separate policy implemented in 2024 during the Biden administration allows Chinese nationals limited visa-free access for shorter stays of up to 14 days.

Although US territories operate under federal immigration law, they may be granted tailored entry programs approved by the Department of Homeland Security. CNMI, located in the western Pacific Ocean, has unique travel arrangements reflecting its geographic and economic circumstances.

Legislative Path Ahead

Scott’s proposal is expected to draw debate on Capitol Hill, particularly as immigration and national security remain prominent political issues. Supporters argue that a uniform visa requirement would close potential gaps in border control, while critics may contend that restricting travel could affect tourism and local economies in US territories.

The bill will move through the legislative process in the coming months, where it will be subject to committee review and potential amendments before any vote.