A triumphant American woman awarded British citizenship after being rejected three times has vowed to launch her own crusade to help others in the same situation.

Kimberly Fisher, 37, a teacher at Essex University, was shocked to have her application returned three times because her sociology Phd did not prove she knows English well enough.

She said: "There are so many other people in the same situation who are not as fortunate as me they are not financially secure or in touch with their local MP."

Dr Fisher arrived in Colchester from Phoenix, Arizona,13 years ago to study at Essex University after winning a Government-funded scholarship. She has worked at the centre ever since.

Since last October, the Home Office has returned three application forms to her because they did not include enough proof she knows English.

Published Thursday, February 10, 2005

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