COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Central Ohio woman, Olympian and local teacher is fighting to stay in the U.S. after being denied for citizenship twice.
For the last ten years, Natalia Laschenova has worked legally teaching American Olympic hopefuls. She won a team gold medal in gymnastics for Russia in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Now, she may be on the verge of deportation.
"We are American in every way except on paper. My children were raised here," Laschenova said.
She teaches young gymnasts at Integrity Gymnastics in Plain city. Her Work Visa expired after six years.
Her attorney petitioned immigration in 2002 and 2006 for permanent resident status, which is sometimes given to individuals with extraordinary abilities.
"Natalia Laschenova, an extraordinary athlete, gold medalist and world champion, today, is out of status, along with her husband and their children and could face deportation," said Gus Shihab, Laschenova's attorney.
Two of Laschenova's four children were born in America and are U.S. citizens. If an order of deportation is issued, her attorney said Laschenova is in a difficult situation.
"Unless we fix the problem, Natalia is in a catch 22," Shihab said.
"I am the embodiment of the American dream, but I am also the embodiment of the damaging consequences of a broken immigration system that stands in the way of America's best interests," she said.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services could not address Laschenova's petition denials specifically, but their Web site said the Visa she petitioned for is for people who possess extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business or athletics.
Laschenova coached at least nine gymnasts who won full gymnastics scholarships to college.
The group supporting Laschenova is holding a rally Saturday at the Statehouse North Plaza at 1 p.m. to demand lawmakers take action for immigration reform.
The group specifically asked Sen. George Voinovich to help their cause. In the past, Voinovich has said he wants an immigration bill that secures our borders.
Sen. Sherrod Brown has also supported legislation to curb illegal immigration.
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