Celine Dion's bodyguard in federal appeals court for American visa

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The NY Times reports "Fending Off Paparazzi May Earn Glory, but Not Necessarily a Visa" that Nikolaos Skokos, a Canadian citizen residing in Las Vegas and bodyguard for Canadian singer Celine Dion, "is seeking to stay through a relatively small program that allows “aliens of extraordinary ability” — whether they are scientists, artists, athletes or even security consultants — to become permanent residents." However, the US government feels that such a visa needs much biggers skills:

As an example of what the United States is looking for, government lawyers cited in court papers the golfer Nick Price, who is from Zimbabwe and gave evidence when he sought to stay in the United States that he was ranked 10th out of 600 professional golfers, was seventh in the world in his earnings and had won more than 20 tournaments.

In his petition, Mr. Skokos said he was a security consultant to the stars, a top-notch professional trusted to keep V.I.P.s like Ms. Dion out of harm’s way. “The quality of Skokos’ service and expertise in the field of celebrity security is so superior that it constitutes an original contribution of major significance in the field,” his lawyers argued in court filings that likened him to a famous athlete who breaks records.

Skokos and the Dept of Homeland Security had their case in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today.