In 2007, the U.S. enacted a law incrementally raising the minimum wages in Amer. Samoa and the Commonwealth of the N. Mariana Islands (CNMI) until they equal the U.S. minimum wage. Amer. Samoa¿s minimum wage increased by 50¢ three times, and the CNMI¿s four times before legislation delayed the increases, providing for no increase in Amer. Samoa in 2010 or 2011 and none in the CNMI in 2011. Recent economic declines in both areas reflect the closure of one of two canneries in Amer. Samoa and the departure of the garment industry in the CNMI. This report describes, since the increases began: (1) employment and earnings; and (2) the status of key industries. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

With the disappearance of well-paying jobs and the increasing cost of living, it’s becoming more and more difficult to stay afloat in the United States. Workers who earn the minimum wage often can’t afford the most basic needs. In response, more than 100 U.S. cities have issued living wage ordinances, requiring payments that allow workers to afford food, clothing, shelter, utilities, and healthcare. It may seem obvious that everyone wins with a living wage. But does paying out a living wage help or harm the economy? Should corporations be forced to pay them? What is society’s responsibility to its workers?

In May 2008, the U.S. amended the U.S.¿ covenant with the CNMI to establish federal control of CNMI immigration in 2009, with several CNMI-specific provisions affecting foreign workers and investors during a 5-year transition period that began on Nov. 28, 2009, and ends in 2014. In May 2010, it was reported that the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) had established border control operations in the CNMI in 2009 but had not concluded negotiations with the CNMI government to resolve certain challenges involving access to CNMI airport space, detention facilities, and databases. This statement updates a report on the transition to federal immigration law and discusses several pending issues. Illustrations. This is a print on demand report.

American Samoa And Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Employment, Earnings, and Status of Key Industries Since Minimum Wage Increases Began