An American salon manager has been left devastated at facing deportation after almost five years in Inverness following a visa dispute.
Morgan Mitchell, 28, moved to the Highland capital in November 2013 on spousal visa. But the marriage has since broken down and with her visa expires on July 30, Miss Mitchell has turned to local MP Drew Hendry for help.
Employed at the city’s Hair Gardener business, her boss Alison McRitchie is keen for her to stay and study management or beauty courses to further her career.
Miss Mitchell said: “A student visa is my only option. Its worthwhile studying something related to the industry, so I got in touch with the international team at the University [of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)].”
“I want to continue my career here. I have found a job I love. If Alison is looking to extend, there is a great business opportunity there. She is also willing to support that career progression opportunity for me as well.”
But she was told by UHI that she would be unable to study there as she already holds a degree, achieved in Linguistics and French from Baglor University in Texas.
She said: “I’m really disheartened in the university. There has been zero consideration for my interest in studying.”
Miss McRitchie said: “We have looked into leadership and management courses and beauty courses in order to allow Morgan to stay. It is a competitive industry and I have a prime location in the centre of town so I constantly have to think of how I can develop the business to stay ahead of the game.
“I find it really frustrating that I am trying to encourage Morgan to develop and continue to evolve, and the university aren’t prepared to honour the education avenues she wants to go down.
“I am potentially going to lose out on one of the best team members I’ve had in 30 years.”
Miss Mitchell added: “I have no idea what I would do if it comes to deportation. I have nothing in the states. I have my dog here, got my friends here and, because I was a military wife, I have a close support group here. Work has been my family. I was told by UHI there was no point in applying because I would be refused straight off the bat.”
A spokeswoman for Inverness College UHI said: “Inverness College UHI has worked with Miss Mitchell to answer all her enquiries in line with UK Government Tier 4 student visa guidance. However, we have not received a course application.”
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Miss Mitchell entered the UK with leave as a spouse until July 2018. It is not possible to switch from a spouse to a student visa in-country under the immigration rules. It is a matter for an individual university whether they admit a student on a particular course.”
Local MP Drew Hendry has offered support to Miss Mitchell in her quest to remain in Inverness.
He said: “Young people like Miss Mitchell are vital and welcome additions to our community. Instead of having these visa issues, we should be enjoying an environment where they can come, flourish and contribute to our local economy.
“Time after time, this hostile and inflexible approach has worked against the needs of the Highlands and the people we need to live and work here.
“My office and I will continue to support her in this regard, and with her future visa applications.”