Belbin Citizenship Amendment to HHS Bill Passes Senate...

[visaliakid]

The very good news is that the Labor-HHS bill has passed in the Senate! This is the bill to which the Tanith expedited Citizenship amendment is attached. It was decided with unanimous consent, which basically means that it passed without anyone objecting.

Because of the way the bill (and some others) were passed, there will be a vote in the House tomorrow.

A representative group of Congressmen (chosen by House leadership before they adjourned to go home yesterday) will be returning tomorrow to vote on final approval of all Bills approved by the Senate Wednesday night.

If the vote is in the affirmative, the legislation will then go to President Bush's desk for his signature. When signed this would then authorize CIS to handle Tanith's Citizenship hopefully within the remaining time frame before the January 30 deadline. Let's hope Tanith the best.

Visaliakid

:D

[kwancierto de aranjuez]

I'm wondering what actually does this bill say. What else is written into the bill? Afterall, this isn't just for Tanith but there are others that will be affected by it.

[visaliakid]

There are 174 separate amendments attached to the original Labor - HHS Appropriations Bill. If you go to http://www.senate.gov and click on Legislation link.... then scroll down page till you get to Appropriations section you will find the Labor - HHS Funding Bill with a link to it's description. Also there is a list of all Amendments and who sponsored each one.

Here is the language of the Amendment 3010 sponsored by Michigan Senator Carl Levin:

103. S.AMDT.2268 to H.R.3010 To amend section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to reduce the residency requirement and limit the adjudication period for the naturalization of aliens with extraordinary ability so that such aliens may represent the United States at international events.
Sponsor: Sen Levin, Carl [MI] (introduced 10/26/2005) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 10/26/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2268 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

:clap :clap :clap

[iceman]

I have always been perplexed that the USFSA allows skaters who are not citizens to compete in nationals, thus creating this kind of problem. I know expedtion is legal, but it does not seem appropriate for this kind of reason.

[moskva]

ethical or not, i'm happy for tanith. if everything is on track, then she will have earned at least two olympic medals when she retires. and her being in turin will certainly inject the much needed drama and suspense into an otherwise utterly predictable event. i'm keeping my fingers crossed for her and aljona sawtschenko.

[moxie]

I have always been perplexed that the USFSA allows skaters who are not citizens to compete in nationals, thus creating this kind of problem. I know expedtion is legal, but it does not seem appropriate for this kind of reason.

IIRC, in the case of Tanith (and the several thousands of other people affected), the amendment basically restores the citizenship timetable that would have been in place had 9/11 not happened. Her paperwork was delayed, and this puts it back on track.

[cyncansurvive]

That is my understanding too. She as well as others that applied well before 9/11 will now get restored +/or expedited because paperwork was lost or delayed "behind" people that applied under the new rules imposed after 2002. That is what I understand it to be. Gotta love the gov't logic!
Anyway...I fully expect this to pass today and expect it to be signed by Bush because every Pres signs a flury of bills and executive orders on or around Dec. 22 or 23.

[tateskates]

Oh wow, I thought there was no hope left for her. I am so happy that there is still a chance and I really hope it works out because they deserve to go to the Olympics!

Kate

[betty]

I really hope this team is able to go to the Olympics. It would be a shame, since Tanith applied in plenty of time, but the paperwork was held up by 9/11.
Good Luck to both of them.

[kwanluv]

:clap :clap :clap

[JazDFW]

was wondering what had gone on with this. Glad to hear it is making progress. I'm so happy for B&A.:clap :clap :clap

[berthesghost]

I have always been perplexed that the USFSA allows skaters who are not citizens to compete in nationals, thus creating this kind of problem. I know expedtion is legal, but it does not seem appropriate for this kind of reason.It is funny as the whole skating world revolves around countries competing against each other.
OT1H I can see it. Every other guy in US Ice Dance seem to be foreign, so if we didn't allow it, we'd be denying tons of US gals the right to skate at nats. Seems a little unfair seeing as few have a chance of even getting close to the Oly team anyway.
OTOH it does seem a tad rediculous to have an elite US dancer skating for Israel, while an elite Canadian dancer skates for the US, and so on. With most dance teams some kind of "mixed marriage", one wonders why keep up the charade of countries competing against each other.
Anywho, I can see why the USFSA does it. Better to keep up the standings with _______ (oh, what is that word for professional soldiers. You know, guys who got paid to fight in other countries) than to let the whole program go to waste. *cough*pairs*cough*
The question is, why do the ISU and OSC allow it.

[tammym59]

Bertha, is the word you were trying to think of mercinaries?

[berthesghost]

Bertha, is the word you were trying to think of mercinaries?
Yes, mercenaries! Thank you!

[Terri]

It would be so appropiate and fitting that a wonderful young lady such as Tanith would be able to represent the United States in Torino. Especially since she did everything right and played by the rules. It would be nice if she wasn't penalized for that.

[graciesfriend]

Terri, I agree with you completely! I didn't think there was much hope of Tanith getting US citizenship in time for Torino so I am thrilled that it looks like this will work out for her and Ben! Thanks for the update, visaliakid. :clap

[forestgreen92]

While I am happy for Tanith (and Max, another ice dancer that needs citizenship and was caught in the changes), I am not pleased that the bill it is piggybacked on has passed. The cuts to education and other things leaves a bad taste in my mouth. So while I celebrate Tanith possibly getting her citizenship in time (remember, they still have to take the citizenship test and pass it), I don't celebrate the dramatic cuts to education, health and human services and other things that were part of this appropriations bill.

Oh well. Our children may lose services due to education cuts, but doggone it, we'll have a shot at the OGM in ice dancing. (sorry, just being very sarcastic)

[Vinthekwanfan]

Well, well, well, things are looking better for Tanith, although we have to wait until after tomorrow. After a healthy, happy Michelle, Tanith's and Ben's being able to go to Torino will be a good Christmas gift-of-sorts (but of course there are more important things, but I digress). One B&A are able to go, they will show N&K the true meaning of ice dancing artistry (and I don't mean cliche head-shaking moves and faux flamenco choreography...see their Carmen FD).

[iloveskating]

Our children may lose services due to education cuts, but doggone it, we'll have a shot at the OGM in ice dancing. Yes, but the way they randomly attach amendments to bills, one has nothing to do with the other. Education was not sacrified for the sake of citizenship.

I am so happy that things are looking up for B&A!

[new_europe2006]

It would be so appropiate and fitting that a wonderful young lady such as Tanith would be able to represent the United States in Torino. Especially since she did everything right and played by the rules. It would be nice if she wasn't penalized for that.

I second that along with every other non-US citizen who is legally here in the US.

[synnabun]

This is excellent news... now I can't wait to hear more! It will be wonderful to see them at Nationals. They definitely deserve a run at Torino... so I really hope this comes through for them... and everyone else that it will effect outside of the skating world.

[Disciple of KWAN]

good, i wish them the best!

[JazDFW]

somebody please update us if you hear anything more on this. Thanks

[visaliakid]

Legislation to aid Tanith Belbin and Max Zavozin naturalized U.S. Citizenship clears U.S. Congress

The bill was sent to the whitehouse for President Bush's signing into law.

Complete details at Blazing Blades (http://www.xanga.com/kwantifiable).

:clap :clap :clap

[kwanette]

:clap :clap :clap :clap

[gratefulmkfan]

This is great news. While I don't like the bill itself, it was probably her best chance, and it would be a pleasure to see her representing the US at the Olympics. We know how W likes to cut spending, so it's very likely we can celebrate Tanith's citizenship in time for Oly's. She had plenty of time to study for the test that most of us who were born here probably wouldn't pass. She always appears as a positive, classy and uplifting person, not to mention her wonderful ice dancing that doesn't fear risks. My best wishes that her citizenship battle is all downhill from here.

Goooooooo Belgusto. You are simply wonderful, original and world class, not to mention the best ice dancing team to represent the USA since I can't remember when! (Maybe Never.)

Here' some for you too:

:bow :angel :bow :angel

[new_europe2006]

At least President Bush is actually rewarding legal immigrants as opposed to illegal immigrants, which is fine by me. Plus this bill isn't just for Tanith or Maxim but for every legal immigrant who's had to wait to become a US citizen, so it's all good. :clap :clap :clap :clap

[holysalchow]

I was just wondering if anyone had heard anything on this! What great news for the holidays. I'm so happy for Tanith and Ben!!

[Lisa Seye]

Trust me passing the citizenship test will be a breeze for Tanith.

[jennjenn]

I am so happy they will now be able to represent the US.... they are one of my favorite teams!

[iluvtodd]

Great news to Tanith (& Ben), and for other legal immigrants in her situation! :gphug :clap

[Krista]

Yeah this is excellent news :) Gooooooo Tanith and Ben!!!! :clap

[FlashOBlue]

He'll sign it! YEAH!!!!!!!

[shellyfan]

Nice up to date article: SportsIllustrated - Belbin could gain citizenship in time (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/olympics/2006/12/22/bc.oly.icedancer.ap/index.html)

[GardenKitty]

Nice article in the Detroit Free Press too

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051223/SPORTS17/512230303

While I wish them every luck in winning a medal, I'm just glad they'll have the chance to experience the Olympics. They're wonderful representatives for their sport and for the US.

[Vinthekwanfan]

do you think all this naturalization process and the stress and expectations that come with it may have hampered Tanith and Benjamin's training. I know Ben Agosto is in the midst of recuperation from a groin injury, but does any body have news of how their training is progressing?:P Thanks.

[forestgreen92]

Yes, but the way they randomly attach amendments to bills, one has nothing to do with the other. Education was not sacrified for the sake of citizenship.

I am so happy that things are looking up for B&A!

I didn't say that education was sacrificed for citizenship. But the approval of this bill sacrifices quite a few things. It's just too bad that the one bill I was watching had the citizenship legislation attached to it. Otherwise I'd be ecstatic that this was passed in time for Tanith and Max. Well, I am ecstatic, but in a moderate way.:lol

[jlb335]

do you think all this naturalization process and the stress and expectations that come with it may have hampered Tanith and Benjamin's training. I know Ben Agosto is in the midst of recuperation from a groin injury, but does any body have news of how their training is progressing?:P Thanks.

I don't think anyone has updated this thread with the news that the Bill passed the House as well, which was basically just a formality.

USFSA article (http://www.usfsa.org/event_story.asp?id=32465)

To answer your concern, Vinthekwanfan, I don't know about their training but one would assume that it is likely all of this hullaballoo has had some effect. I think in the long run. though, this will be the best possible scenario. Who knows what can happen in four years, with injuries, breakups, etc? (We could reference the Mao thread...:boggled) Regardless of their training, they are going to be sent to the Olympics. They have a good shot at the podium, which could set them up for the gold in 2010.

[billob]

If I understood the NBC news tonight correctly it's up to the President now.

[archie4]

Good for Tanith! I would love it they did well in Torino :) .

I have one question about this whole process. How do people like Tanith get to compete at Worlds for the USA, when they can't do so at the Olympics? I know that there are different governing bodies for each (ISU v. IOC), but the situation still seems strange to me. It seems like there should be one common standard.

[moskva]

assuming bush signs it, how long will it be before tanith can have her citizenship test and interview? ins, or whatever has come to supplant it, is not exactly known for efficiency and performance. in fact, the word most often associated with the ins is backlog. at some point, as i recall, they had a one year's worth backlog of citizenship applications.

[rubyred]

Exactly, Moskva--that's what came up in my mind immediately. I have heard that the INS in CA has almost 1.5-2 yr worth of backlog. Probably some powerful politicians could super-speed up the process for Tanith? Of course, a help from the President would be nice! :P

Best wishes for Tanith!!!

[ros01]

This is great news, even if the road isn't over. They'll have a very happy holiday!

[new_europe2006]

Exactly, Moskva--that's what came up in my mind immediately. I have heard that the INS in CA has almost 1.5-2 yr worth of backlog. Probably some powerful politicians could super-speed up the process for Tanith? Of course, a help from the President would be nice! :P

Best wishes for Tanith!!!

Tanith is in Michigan, which I don't know what their INS procedures are.

[Deetlebug]

Also, someone on Skatesfans said that German Yahoo reported that President Bush signed the bill yesterday.

So now it's up to Tanith, INS and the Secretary of State of the United States to issue her U.S. Passport.

I'm excited for both Tanith and Ben!!!

deetles

[Scoobert Dieu]

I am sooo happy for them! I know they will get to go the Olympics. U.S. shall have good representation.