Question Re: Skating Article on Gregory/Petukhov

[BootyDancer]

I just received my new issue of "Skating" magazine and was hoping to ask a question and avoid getting flamed, as I am merely curious about the article on Gregory/Petukhov. I was wondering if there was a chance that G/P were married to help speed up Petukhov's citizenship process?

I remember on FSWorld not long ago there was a thread on Belbin/Agosto, and someone suggested that if Tanith were to marry Ben, it would help speed up her citizenship process. But becuase she hasn't B/A won't be eligible for the Olympics in 2006. The article in "Skating" says that Petukhov could potentially become a citizen by 2004. So even if they are "together", could they have decided to quick get married to help make the eligible for the 2006 Olympics?

[Josef]

FACT: Melissa and Denis were married because they are in love.

(hitting "Submit" for the last time on this thread)

[Trillian]

[quote:aa30734713="BootyDancer"]I remember on FSWorld not long ago there was a thread on Belbin/Agosto, and someone suggested that if Tanith were to marry Ben, it would help speed up her citizenship process. But becuase she hasn't B/A won't be eligible for the Olympics in 2006.[/quote:aa30734713]

I'm sure there are various considerations that have gone into this--like the fact that Tanith isn't even 18 years old yet. I don't know what the laws are in Michigan, but I know in some states there are no laws which permit anyone under 18 to marry. (In others, they can, with parental permission.)

Oh, and the little issue of the fact that they seem to have no interest in one another romantically, and that some people seem to consider that a less-than-ideal trait for a marriage. Not to mention what any significant other(s) that they do have (and I believe Ben, at least, has a girlfriend)might think. And the fact that I believe the U.S. government does at least attempt to sniff out "marriages for convenience" of the sort being suggested here...

I don't know anything about Melissa and Denis, but I do know that the suggestion of Tanith and Ben being married is ridiculous.

[IdmaIjan]

It's interesting to me when I read a thread and find I have a completely different view from those who have responded to the orginal post.

I got the impression that BootyDancer was asking if it was possible for skaters to marry in order to speed up the citzenship process. Unfortunately, DB went so far as to give specific examples. This speculation is what caused the annoyance and irritation of the two posters who replied. When actual names and specific situations are brought into speculative questions it can lead to rumor and gossip that could be hurtful.

Warning to BootyDancer: Don't speculate on personal aspects of skaters lives!

To answer the general question, *could skaters marry in order to speed up the citizenship process?* I suppose they could. But I don't believe this to be the case with Denis and Melissa. All reports I've heard is that they are very much in love. As far as Tannith and Ben, all I've ever heard is that they are good friends.

Now, I just hope my post isn't misunderstood and that I've shed more light, than heat on this subject. :)

[Scott]

Getting married will not speed up the process for becoming a citizen. It does make it easier to obtain a green card or obtain perm status, however. So, despite being married Petuhov is going to have to go through the same process that all other foreign nationals do. This probably means that this team will not be eligable for the next olympics.

[ohiosk8]

Marriage to an American citizen does indeed speed the process for citizenship. Instead of the usual 5 year wait from issue of a green card, the wait is reduced to 3 years after the green card is issued. The applicant has to be married to the citizen for the entire three years.

Other stipulations and conditions apply, including a language proficiency, and the standard test on American history and citizenship. Further information can be found at www.INS.gov.