H.R. 9787 — Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act

This section extends the labor stabilization program period for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the later of December 31, 2039, or the date determined under new subsection (d)(8) (from December 31, 2029). It applies Guam temporary labor certification procedures to the Commonwealth beginning in the first fiscal year after enactment; requires biennial prevailing wage determinations set at 75 percent of the applicable wage or the federal minimum wage, whichever is greater; caps annual permits at 15,000 with a supplemental allocation of 3,000 for construction and extraction occupations limited to nationals of countries eligible for H-2B visas in 2024; requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult the Governor when setting caps; extends permit validity to up to three years for long-term workers admitted in fiscal years 2015–2019; and directs the Secretary of Labor to assess labor needs by July 1, 2039, and determine whether to extend the program for up to 10 additional years.

This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Labor to each publish an interim final rule in the Federal Register within 180 days after enactment specifying implementation of amendments relating to their respective responsibilities. Each Secretary must consider in good faith any written recommendations from the Governor of the Commonwealth submitted within 60 days after enactment and may include responsive provisions not inconsistent with the Act.

This section exempts from the 3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars an alien who was admitted as a Commonwealth Only Transitional Worker before fiscal year 2020, has been unlawfully present for less than 5 years before enactment of the Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act, has continuously resided in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands since fiscal year 2020, and seeks admission to the Commonwealth pursuant to an approved petition for classification as a Commonwealth Only Worker.

This section establishes the effective date of the Act as the first day of the first fiscal year after enactment and applies its provisions to petitions for Commonwealth Only Transitional Workers filed on or after that date.