An SNP MP has launched a ferocious attack on the UK immigration minister, accusing him of “callous disregard” for an Australian family facing deportation from Scotland.
Ian Blackford also likened the Home Office’s treatment of the Brains to the Highland Clearances.
And he insisted he would not do the government’s “dirty work” by assisting with their removal.
Gregg and Kathryn Brain, whose seven-year-old son Lachlan’s first language is Gaelic, learned this week they must leave the UK.
The Home Office confirmed on Tuesday no new visa application had been received that would enable the family to remain.
A spokeswoman highlighted the three extensions previously granted on an “exceptional basis” for job hunting.
But she stressed the process could not be “open-ended” and advised that the Dingwall-based family – whose grace period lapsed at midnight on Monday – would have to take steps to depart voluntarily.
Staff will now contact the Brains to begin discussions.
Failure to go willingly would lead to an adverse immigration history, which could prevent the family from returning to the UK in future, even as visitors.
In a letter to Mr Blackford, the new immigration minister Robert Goodwill, said he hoped the MP would encourage the family to co-operate with the process and leave the UK voluntarily.
A furious Mr Blackford responded immediately, accusing the Home Office of “pandering to an anti-immigration mantra” to drive down net migration numbers.
He added: “I am astonished with the callous disregard to the interests of the Brain family.
“As for seeking the help of the local MP to assist in the removal process, it is contemptible. I will not do the government’s dirty work for it.
“Highland history is full of stories of those who assisted with the Highland Clearances – I will certainly not be advocating and supporting a modern day removal of families from the Highlands.”
The Brains came to Scotland under a government initiative in 2011 on Mrs Brain’s student visa, granted in 2010.
She had intended to transfer to a two-year post-study work visa upon completion of her degree.
But the scheme was scrapped in 2012, a decision announced the previous year, three months before the family’s arrival.
They have since been trying to apply for a Tier 2 visa, for people from outside the European Economic Area offered a skilled job in the UK.