MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A battle to stay in the USA hits the big screen in Maryville. Volunteer TV has followed Hota Ferschke as she fights deportation after her husband died fighting in Iraq. Now her story is the focus of a documentary.

The heartbreaking story of fallen Marine, Sgt. Michael Ferschke Jr., is ready for an audience.

"I'm trying to honor my husband," says his wife, Hota.

"In Their Boots: Second Battle" is evidence of a family's daily struggle. "We've been fighting since September to try and get Hota to live here in Maryville with Mikey," says Michael's mother, Robin Ferschke.

Hota and Michael were married in July 2008, after Hota announced she was pregnant with Mikey. Michael died in Iraq before their marriage was ever consummated.

"This 1952 law states that because they did not consummate their marriage, she cannot live here," says Robin. In January, Hota's visa will expire.

"It was really hard. still hard," says Hota. So before time runs out, the Ferschke family asks for help.

"We hope it will help a lot to get this story out and to get people to see these laws, these old laws, there's gotta be something done with them," says Robin. "They've got to be changed. Our soldiers don't deserve this."

The goal of the documentary is to shed light on immigration law reform. "I think the humanity of their story really reaches anyone who hears about it. It's part of a larger story about a system that needs to be reformed so it reflects our values," says Elias Feghali of the Welcoming Tennessee Intiative.

The film will take their story across the nation seeking support from anyone who believes in keeping families together. The documentary will be released nationwide October 9.

"We want what's right. We just want my grandchild and my son's wife to live here as my son wished," says Robin.

The Ferschke family has already made some progress in the fight they began in September. There is a private bill introduced by Congressman John "Jimmy" Duncan and Senator Lamar Alexander that will allow Hota to remain in the U.S. But the family continues to fight for it to be passed.

Hota and Mikey have been living with the Ferschkes in Maryville since February.