Bill · H.R. 9787· House(119-HR-9787)
Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act
- Introduced
- 7/20/2026
- Last activity
- 7/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Kimberlyn King-Hinds
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act aims to modify the existing labor stabilization program transition within the Commonwealth. This bill extends the transition period and updates various labor certification requirements and procedures. It introduces new numerical limitations on permits and establishes specific protocols for construction and extraction occupations. Additionally, the bill modifies permit validity and creates provisions for long-term workers. It also implements an enforcement fee for prospective employers and updates definitions regarding lawful residence and presence.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would immigrants be better off under this?+3
The bill extends the labor stabilization program period and provides a pathway for long-term workers to renew permits.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill authorizes an increase of 3,000 permits specifically for construction and extraction occupations.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?+2
The bill expands the definition of a qualified alien to include those admitted for long-term residence in the Commonwealth.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
The bill introduces a new $150 enforcement fee for each petition filed by an employer.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill imposes a new $150 enforcement fee on each prospective employer filing a petition.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Extended Labor Program Period: The transition period is extended to the later of December 31, 2039, or when the program expires under specific subsections, providing more time for the program to operate (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Increased Capacity for Specific Industries: The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to increase the total number of available permits by 3,000 for each fiscal year specifically for Construction and Extraction Occupations (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i)(IV)).
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Flexible Program Extensions: The Secretary of Labor can extend the labor stabilization program for additional periods of up to 10 years based on determined labor needs (Section 2(a)(2)(4)(A)).
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Status for Long-term Workers: Certain workers admitted during specific fiscal years may be admitted as a Commonwealth Only Worker for up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal (Section 2(a)(2)(7)(C)).
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Expanded Definition of Qualified Alien: The definition of a qualified alien is expanded to include aliens lawfully admitted for long-term residence in the Commonwealth (Section 2(b)).
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Adjusted Presence Requirements: The requirement for showing continuous physical presence in the United States for the purpose of avoiding inadmissibility is modified to include a 5-year period of presence in the Commonwealth (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Employer Costs: A new enforcement fee of $150 will be imposed on each prospective employer filing a petition (Section 2(a)(2)(9)(A)).
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Numerical Limitations on Work Permits: The Secretary must establish a numerical limitation on permits that may be issued, which could restrict available opportunities (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i)).
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Wage Adjustments: The required prevailing wage may be set at 75 percent of the wage determined by specific sections or the Federal minimum wage, whichever is greater (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(ii)(B)(i)(II)).
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Strict Occupation Restrictions: Permits for Construction and Extraction Occupations may only be made available to foreign workers from specific designated countries (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+3Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Business Owners-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 7/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House