But the end result was that this athlete of great potential. an athlete with a strong desire to compete for America. was unable to do so in the 1984 Olympics. Tracey missed an opportunity to swim for the United States in 1984. and without special legislation she will be unable to compete for the United States next year in Seoul. Under applicable immigration statutes. Tracey is not eligible for citizenship until 5 years have expired from the date that she obtained permanent resident status. For Tracey. this 5year period does not expire until August 1989too late for her to participate in the 1988 Olympics. I am informed that there is simply no way to speed this up administratively. and that a private bill is her only hope for competing for the United States in Seoul. The purpose of this legislation is to expedite the naturalization process so that she will become a U.S. citizen in time to participate in the U.S. Olympic trials and. ultimately. compete for the United States in the 1988 Olympics. There is every reason to believe that Tracey will qualify for citizenship in due course in 1989. but both Tracey and the United States would benefit greatly if the process is expedited.
Keywords matched
naturalization immigration