BOSTON -- Time is running out for a popular math teacher at Fenway High School.

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Jim Boyd Reports On Teacher

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported Thursday that unless something drastic happens within the next 24 hours, Obain Attouoman is scheduled to be deported to his native Ivory Coast where, he feels his life will be in danger.

Dozens of Attouomon's students rallied on his behalf Wednesday at the JFK building in Boston. With Mayor Menino at his side, a hopeful Attouomon pleaded his case on "Good Morning America" Thursday.

"I am hopeful that the government will realize that maybe they are being a little too harsh," Attouomon said.

Attouomon came to the United States in 1992 from the Ivory Coast and applied for political asylum. But in 2001 he missed a hearing and an immigration judge ordered him deported.

When his appeal was turned down in 2003, he was jailed by immigration authorities.

After three months, he was released from jail, but it was only a temporary victory.

Menino said that sending Attouomon back to the Ivory Coast is unfair and not what the United States stands for.

"A guy like Obain should be here helping our kids have a better future. It is wrong what they are doing. They should turn around their decision and let him stay here," Menino said.