By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – For Johanna Petrovic, getting a job in the United States has been made more difficult due to the fact she is not a citizen and doesn’t have a work Visa. Petrovic, originally from Austria, came to the United States back in 2005 as a networking/communications coordinator that resulted in her working with biathletes in Fort Kent. Her position required she complete the job, then submit paperwork to receive payment. That’s when she discovered there was a problem.
“It was a sports program at the college level – a European program, the kind of contract that you have to fulfill your performance (before being paid). When it came to the situation where I sent in the bill, the responsible individual with the Department of Education refused, saying he‘d never heard of me or the program,” said Petrovic.
That’s when Petrovic got dependent on other Austrian programs similar to our welfare and CareerCenter programs.
“The end of the program brought me to the U.S. I was expecting to set up a similar program, making connections between the starting point of the European program with the U.S. branch. I got stuck in the U.S.,” she said.
Petrovic said she doesn’t have a work Visa because it’s still in the pending stage.
“I’m waiting for the interview process to go through,” she said.
Petrovic said she’s filed for assistance to file a lawsuit to get the money owed her. In the meantime however, she’s struggling to make ends meet. All her belongings, friends and family are back in Europe. She would like to stay in the states but understands she may face deportation to Austria or another country if she can’t get her Visa.
“The reason I’m here and staying here isn’t due to the lawsuit. As soon as the welfare and work program learned of the lawsuit, they cut my support. They’re basically saying I have no right to live any more,” said Petrovic. “I can’t access my belongings in Europe, friends and family can’t help me. I have no income and no one to turn to. Austrian courts aren’t like the U.S. They’re controlled by the government. I’m afraid I’ll never get my money.”
She’d hoped to set up a similar educational program here in the United States. The program involves working with athletes, especially those who are disabled.
“I was negotiating with the Maine Winter Sports Center and UMPI to come on an investor’s Visa in the spring, but due to circumstances back in Austria, I have to wait on the process here. I’m not sure if I can stay. I can’t work currently, can’t go to college because I don’t have a Social Security number that is required. College and work would require I have a Visa,” said Petrovic.
What she’d hoped to do with MWSC was similar to work she did in Fort Kent when she first arrived in the states.
“I’ve been here since 2005, when I worked in Fort Kent. I set up a program for elementary classes, invited athletes in during the Olympic program to speak with the children, talk of the equipment. It’s similar to the program MWSC had with athletes visiting Presque Isle schools not long ago,” said Petrovic.
Petrovic, who’s also lived and worked in Germany, has an extensive resume including various jobs managing projects and serving as a consultant. Her career objective involves continuing work with disabled athletes.
“My career objective is to serve in a team to increase the recognition of Paralympic sports and extending the tourism and recreational aspects in cooperation with Olympic and Paralympic disciplines,” said Petrovic. “I’ve applied for a position with the Olympics but haven’t heard anything yet.”
She’s currently focused on her goal of staying and working in the United States. To do so, she needs to find someone knowledgeable in international law to help her with her lawsuit and in obtaining a Visa.
“The best thing for me is to find an attorney in the U.S. to bring my lawsuit out of Austria and into the U.S. court system,” said Petrovic.
She said she wants to work and be an asset to the community.
“I just want to be a productive citizen, but without a Visa I can’t get a job.”
Anyone interested in helping Petrovic in her pursuit to stay in the states can contact her via e-mail at hanna.ep@gmail.com.
