An official appeal has been lodged against a decision by the Home Office to deport an Angus woman.
Angela Smith, 46, who is living illegally in Arbroath, is fighting to stay in the UK after her latest visa application was refused.
Jamie Kerr, of Tayside solicitors Thorntons, has now formally lodged an appeal to the tribunal on Ms Smith’s behalf against the decision of the Home Office.
Mr Kerr, who specialises in immigration and human rights law, told The Courier: “This is an appalling and cold decision from the Home Office.
“I am now appealing to the court for the family and will use strong human rights law arguments to show why it is unlawful to force Angela away from her young daughter and partner.
“Hopefully common sense will prevail.”
The Angus Council worker, originally from America, has lived in Arbroath since 2007 but has faced an ongoing battle to stay since separating from her husband.
Angela is the primary carer for her 13-year-old daughter Ceilidh, who is a fully-fledged UK citizen, but would have to leave her behind and go back to America.
The application was refused as the Home Office said there was no reason why Ceilidh could not remain in the UK with Angela’s ex-husband, who still lives locally.
Angela was planning to buy a house and get married to partner Matthew Tribble, 40, before the Home Office letter turned their world upside down.
Angela has also sent a letter to the Home Office along with 15 pages of messages in support of her application from family and friends.
Her letter read: “My daughter and I have made a life for ourselves in Arbroath. I work diligently to support us and with any energy I have left I volunteer in my community and help anytime help is asked of me.
“My daughter is settled in school and does not even want to move to a different town let alone a different country.
“If she leaves Scotland, you will also be violating the rights of her father and brother who she would like to visit at weekends.
“I have adequately given all the details you require and am fed up beyond the point of reason at the moment. If you knew me, you would realise what a peaceful patient woman I am but not at the moment.”