Don't Kick Him Out

John Walters

October 26, 1998

Born in Sydney and still an Australian citizen, San Diego Chargers punter Darren Bennett is permitted to play in the U.S. on a P-l visa, which designates him as an athlete "with an internationally recognized level of performance." Recently the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) informed Bennett that he could be deported unless he can prove that his employment does not deny a U.S. citizen a job (i.e., that he is uniquely qualified for the work he does). The INS suggested that a letter from a sportswriter might bolster his case.