CNMI Labor Workforce

Seeking to end what she called years of “continual transition and uncertainty,” CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds on Tuesday introduced H.R. 9787, legislation that would establish a permanent labor stabilization program for the Northern Mariana Islands and expand local authority in workforce decisions.

CNMI employers are told that exemptions are possible under President Donald Trump’s H‑1B visa fee order

U.S. workers must be given first consideration for any job posted in the CNMI’s labor system, Labor Secretary Leila Staffler said.

The CNMI Department of Labor says U.S. workers made up the majority of the Commonwealth’s labor force in 2024, though the economy continues to rely heavily on foreign labor.