Kelly Rutherford's petition reaches 100K signatures, White House has to respond

Actress Kelly Rutherford has been fighting to get the White House to help bring her kids back to the United States, and the petition Rutherford started has reached 100,000 signature -- which is the milestone a petition needs to reach to receive a White House review.

The former Gossip Girl actress has been in a bitter six-year international custody battle with her ex-husband, German businessman Daniel Giersch, over their children Hermes, 8, and Helena, 5.

VIDEO: Kelly Rutherford on Battle to Get Her Kids Back: 'It's Cost Me Everything I've Ever Made'

Rutherford's children have been living with Giersch in Monaco since 2012 after his work visa was revoked, barring him from entering the U.S. A California judge ruled in Giersch's favor, ordering that the children should live with Giersch in France. Rutherford has been fighting the decision ever since.

According to the 40-year-old actress, the protracted legal battle has cost her nearly $2.5 million.

Rutherford's started her petition on We The People in April, and with the support of her former Gossip Girl so-stars and other celebs spreading the word online and encouraging people to sign, she may now have a fighting chance as bringing her children back to the States.

VIDEO: 7 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces

Of course Rutherford's petition reaching the 100,000 signatures mark does not guarantee that the White House or the U.S. Government will take action in the matter, only that her petition and her cause receives proper review and consideration.

Check out the video below to hear from Rutherford about how this lengthy legal battle has taken a huge toll on her life and livelihood.