Northern Mariana Islands: U.S. Commonwealth Territory

Yes. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has been a U.S. territory since 1975, when a UN-observed plebiscite approved the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth in Political Union with the United States.

Key Implications

• U.S. sovereignty, defense, foreign policy.
• U.S. citizenship for those born there (since 1986).
• Internal self-governance (own constitution, governor, legislature).
• Federal funds apply; U.S. immigration law largely applies (with CNMI-specific transition provisions).
• No voting representation in Congress; non-voting delegate in House.