Inverness couple's deportation fight wins backing from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
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THE fight to stop the deportation of an Inverness couple has been taken up by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Russell and Ellen Felber, who moved to the city from the USA and run the Torridon Guest House in Kenneth Street, saw their application for permanent residence in Scotland turned down shortly before Christmas.
This was despite them investing £400,000 in their business and, they say, complying will all necessary immigration conditions before the Home Office moved the goalposts on them.
As The Inverness Courier reported last week around 1700 people have signed a petition calling for them to be allowed to stay.
This was handed in to 10 Downing Street by Inverness MP Drew Hendry who also alerted Nicola Sturgeon to the Felbers’ plight.
In her response to him the First Minister said she was “very sorry” to hear about their difficulties, which have seen Mrs Felber spend days in hospital due to stress.
“I appreciate that this has had a considerable impact on them both, and I was particularly sad to read of the effect this situation is having on Mrs Felber’s health,” she said.
“As you are aware, the Scottish Government does not have devolved competency over immigration law and policy. However, on this occasion I have written to the Home Office and asked them to look into Mr and Mrs Felber’s case.”
Promising to keep Mr Hendry informed of any response she receives from the UK government she also asked for her best wishes to be passed on to the couple and added: “The Scottish Government welcomes migrants from all over the world and the value that they bring to Scotland’s economy and society.
“Pushing for an immigration system that recognises individual circumstances and provides a welcoming environment for new Scots and their families will remain a priority for this government.”
Mr Hendry said: “Russell and Ellen’s situation has been brought into sharp focus over the past couple of weeks, where much of our national discussion has been about unfairness, immigration, and the appalling actions of Donald Trump.
“I am very glad of the First Minister’s support for the Felbers and for her letter to the minister highlighting the unfairness of their situation.
“It is vitally important that we maintain pressure on the UK government to remind them Inverness – indeed Scotland – isn’t just our home, it is also the home of the Felbers.”
Russell Felber said of the First Minister’s intervention: “It’s great. It’s very encouraging at this stage.”
Mr and Mrs Felber are still waiting to receive a date for their case to be re-examined by the Court of Appeal and are being allowed to stay in the UK until that is heard.
