SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES THAT MAINEiacs COACH RECEIVES NOTICE OF VISA ELIGIBILITY

WASHINGTON, DC- Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the Department of Homeland Security, today announced that the coach for the MAINEiacs hockey team in Lewiston has received notice that he has been approved for an 0-1 visa from the Department. The team's season, which has already officially begun, has been in question because the coach and many of the team's players have been unable to obtain H-2B visas to come to the U.S. from Canada for the season. Senator Collins has been working to help the coach and team members secure alternative visas and recently facilitated a meeting in Lewiston between DHS officials and local officials associated with the team.

"This is very good news and a step in the right direction toward resolving the challenges the team and its coach have faced this season. The MAINEiacs are a symbol of pride for the Lewiston area and are important for economic development in the area," said Senator Collins.

"I will continue working with the Department of Homeland Security until the team's hockey players are able to come to Lewiston and play through the season," added Senator Collins.

At issue was the inability of the coach and team players to obtain H-2B visas, a type of temporary worker visa under which the coach and players came to the U.S. in years past. The federal cap on the number of visas available was met earlier in the year, making it impossible for team players and the coach to come to the U.S. from Canada. Senator Collins intervened and worked with the team and Department of Homeland Security to find other types of visas for which the coach could qualify. Since new H-2B visas will be available by October 1, 2004, Senator Collins is working to expedite the applications of team players so they can play games in Lewiston for the remainder of the season.

0-1 visas are issued to individuals who exhibit ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim.

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