The Northern Marianas' new labour law, which took effect at the beginning of June, is drawing criticism from human rights advocate Wendy Doromal and United Workers Movement-NMI president Rabby Syed.
The new regulations require foreign workers to, among other things, register every year or face a fine of 500 US dollars, jail time of up to 90 days, or both.
Ms Doromal has described the regulation as a blatant violation of U.S. law.
She also says the U.S. Department of Justice is likely to challenge the local law in federal court because it pre-empts the federalisation law.
Mr Syed, for his part, believes that the new labour regulations are illegal.
He says his group is urging the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior to come up with a statement regarding the new local law to help eliminate confusion and fear among foreign workers.
Under the new regulations, every foreigner who remains in the CNMI longer than 90 days will be required to register every year and to comply with an ID system.
