The governor of the Northern Marianas, Benigno Fitial, says almost a year since the US federal government took control of immigration, the islands remain in limbo mainly because of the lack of regulations governing foreign investors and guest workers.
Mr Fitial, who sued the federal government last year over federalisation, says the CNMI would have liked to encourage more foreign investments, especially during these tough economic times.
But he says there is a lack of regulations, both for investors and workers, and that means continued limbo.
Our correspondent says frustration over the situation is shared by all sectors of the CNMI.
