Suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP)

Official abstract: This notice announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to suspend the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP). EVS-TAP allows prescreened nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to travel to the CNMI without a visa for temporary visits under specified conditions. Pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, the Secretary has broad authority to suspend the program for good cause, including threats to national security, law enforcement interests, and immigration enforcement. The Secretary has determined that there is good cause to suspend EVS-TAP, while DHS, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior, evaluates the program.