GOP Lawmakers Push to Close Marianas Visa Loophole Over China Spying Fears
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Republican lawmakers Ernst and Dunn criticized the Biden administration for not closing a visa loophole that allows Chinese nationals into the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa.
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Ernst warned the loophole could enable Chinese spies to access US military installations in Guam, which is near the Northern Mariana Islands.
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The visa waiver dates back to 2009 and allows Chinese citizens to enter the Northern Mariana Islands for business or pleasure without a visa for up to 14 days.
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DHS defended the policy, saying Chinese nationals cannot travel from the islands to elsewhere in the US, including Guam, but Ernst and Dunn fear the policy enables illegal work and CCP interests.
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Dunn said DHS has shown "willful ignorance" about security concerns and should require B-1/B-2 visas for Chinese citizens to enter the Northern Mariana Islands.