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By Rolynda Jonathan
Citizens from the Federated States of Micronesia serving time in Guam’s prison makes up about 20% of the prison’s population, indicates statistics from the Guam Department of Corrections. Out of 245 inmates, about 50 are from the Federated States of Micronesia reports Guam Pacific Daily News. 37 of those inmates are reportedly listed for deportation upon the completion of their sentences. According to Guam PDN, each foreign inmate cost about $118 per day, amounting to more than $2.1 million per year. In light of costs, a recent amendment to Guam’s proposed three strikes law would deport felons coming to Guam from Palau, FSM and the Marshall Islands. Guam Defense Attorney Jay Arriola told PDN that there should be more emphasis on deporting foreign inmates instead of paying to keep them incarcerated on Guam. Arriola told PDN that he has asked judges for lighter sentences for foreign criminals to save the cost of locking them up. If the amendment becomes law, it would align Guam with procedures used to deport federal convicts in addition to saving millions in annual costs.