She was imprisoned by the Germans during World War I. and her husband was declared missing in action during that war. It had been Ms. Zhondetskayas lifelong dream to emigrate to the United States. and in 1908. after more than 40 years of struggle. she succeeded. Unfortunately. only months before she would have met the statutory 5year residency requirement for U.S. citizenship. she was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and given only a short time to live. Disappointed but not defeated. she appealed to me to introduce private immigration legislation that would expedite her naturalization. When I first met Olga last month. I was greatly touched by her ability to overcome adversity. her patient determination. and her love for this country. This remarkable women. dying of cancer. gave me a simple and elegant message during our meetingthat she wanted to die an American citizen. The legislation which I introduced and which was enacted into law earlier this week removed those barriers to her naturalization which she did not immediately satisfy. She became a citizen hours after the President signed the measure on August 3. and when asked how she felt. she responded with a single word-"splendid." It was one of the most eloquent and appropriate acceptance speeches that I have ever heard. It was truly an honor and a privilege to help Ms.
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naturalization immigration emigrate