My name is Michelle Doyle Tschirhart, and I’m raising funds to help Anna Tsukervanik—a gifted violinist and beloved member of our musical community—stay in the United States and avoid deportation. In supporting this cause, I’m joined by colleagues from the Midland and Flint Symphonies, and in particular: Robin Von Wald, Personnel Manager of the Midland Symphony Orchestra; Gregg Powell, Principal Bass and Personnel Manager of the Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO); Bill Milicevic, FSO Associate Concertmaster; and Debra Terry, FSO First Violin

Anna, originally from Uzbekistan, has lived in the U.S. for over a decade and has been working here legally on an O-1 visa, reserved for individuals with extraordinary artistic ability. She has won major international violin competitions and contributes deeply to our orchestras and community.

Last fall, Anna was involved in a serious car accident that totaled her car and brought on numerous unexpected expenses. As a result, she incurred significant debt and was unable to afford legal assistance for her O-1 visa renewal. A well-meaning but mishandled attempt to file the renewal has now left Anna in a heartbreaking situation: USCIS has no record of her application. She must now urgently submit an expedited petition through an immigration attorney, which will cost upwards of $9,000. Anna will likely also need to leave the U.S. while the petition is processed in order to avoid the risk of deportation or other legal consequences.

Please help us keep Anna here, where she belongs, by contributing what you can. Every donation brings us closer to securing her future in the U.S.

Thank you so much for your support.

Michelle Tschirhart, Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Manager

Gregg Powell, FSO Principal Bass and Personnel Manager

Bill Milicevic, FSO Associate Concertmaster

Debra Terry, FSO 1st Violin

Robin Von Wald, Midland Symphony Orchestras Personnel Manager