Tyson Nash: Canadian Born Former Player, Current Phoenix Broadcaster, Potential Deportee

Arizona’s new immigration law has stirred up a ton of debate recently, but it’s laws that have been around for years that are quickly going to bring immigration issues up front in hockey circles. Why, you ask?

Former Phoenix Coyotes player and current ‘Yotes radio analyst Tyson Nash, a Canadian-born guy who has lived in the United States for 15 years, could potentially be deported despite doing everything he possibly could do to become an American citizen.

Nash, a hard-working, gritty type of player without much raw skill bashed his way to a seven-year NHL career before his retirement after the 2005-06 season. In the midst of that career, in 2001, he filed papers to get his green card.

The Arizona Republic has more after the jump.

What it boils down to is that in his original application, back in 2001, Nash listed his occupation as a hockey player. By the time he got to his green card interview all these years later, his occupation was TV analyst.

As a result, his conversation with the immigration who was considering his application became, in Nash’s word, surreal.

“Essentially, he told me that I filed my application as a hockey player and not a broadcaster so I had to get back in line and refile,” Nash said. “I can’t explain the frustration.”

Now, according to the Republic, Nash potentially could be deported, simply because he’s changed his occupation in the last nine years. He’s not a drug runner. He’s not here illegally. He’s paid millions in taxes during his 15 years in the US.

By every account, Nash is a model immigrant. Apparently, that doesn’t matter.