By LARRY MAIER
The nightmare facing Long Beach resident Doris Spencer Markell and her family appears to have a happy ending after all.
Ms. Markell, 88, was nearly thrown out of the A. Holly Patterson Geriatric Center in Uniondale, where she has been a resident for eight months- because as a non-U.S. citizen she does not qualify for Medicaid.
Ms. Markell arrived in the United States from Liverpool, England in the early 1920's and never pursued her citizenship, said her son, Matthew Markell.
In order to qualify for Medicaid, Ms. Markell would need to first acquire a green card to become a legal resident and U.S. Citizen. This process generally takes several years of negotiating and fighting through layers of Immigration and Naturalization Service red tape.
But, thanks to the hard work of her son, Matthew, and daughter, Gwen Nitsberg, and the efforts of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, that process has been cut short and Ms. Markell is now a proud new "permanent citizen."
On Monday, Nov. 6, in the presence of her children and Patterson Center friends, Ms. Markell was presented with her green card by an INS officer. With her green card came peace of mind for Ms. Markell and her family, and the Medicaid funding necessary to continue Ms. Markell's special care at the Patterson Center.
"Ms. Markell was ecstatic. She yelled out, 'I am an American citizen,' " said Patterson spokeswoman Shelley Lottenberg. "It was very emotional and I am happy it has been resolved to everyone's satisfaction."
An 'incredible journey'
Mr. Markell and his sister were "totally unprepared" for the special green card presentation. For the siblings, the moment was an answer to their prayers.
"My sister and I went on Monday hoping for some good news in a few weeks," said Mr. Markell, still elated by the day's events. "But after a brief interview, [the agent] swore Mom in right on the spot. It was unbelievable"
According to Mr. Markell, the last year has been "an incredible journey." He and his sister have been working since January to collect the data necessary to prove to the INS that their mother has been a long-time U.S. resident.
The two have visited the Social Security Service and the Census Bureau. Marital records, old photos, and sworn affidavits from relatives and friends testifying to Ms. Markell's residency were also gathered. But it wasn't until they elicited the help of Senator Schumer that the ball really started to roll.
"Even with all the information we collected, much more than the INS ever wanted, it still would have taken forever without Mr. Schumer," said a grateful Mr. Markell. "He and his staff really went out of their way for us."
"We helped the family make a case," said Bradley Tusk, a spokesperson for Senator Schumer. "The family reached out to us in June. We wrote to the INS and asked them to make this happen immediately."
Though Senator Schumer was unable to attend Monday's presentation, he did pay a visit to Ms. Markell on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Mr. Markell also complimented INS officials, praising them for their timely efforts on behalf of his mother.
"My mother is 88 years old," said Mr. Markell. "We didn't feel we had the time to waste. The INS recognized that."
