Inverness couple receive deportation notice days before holidays
The B&B owners received the letter along with Christmas cards from friends and family.
Russell and Ellen Felber have been told they must leave the country within 30 days despite meeting the terms for a UK visa.
The couple now run the Torridon Guest House in Inverness City Centre following their move from America in 2011.
Neighbours and friends have been speaking out against the news, joined by MP Drew Hendry and Bishop Mark Strange.
Russell Felber said: "The letter was unexpected. We had all these requirements to meet and they were all met. All the taxes, and the employment"
"I can't believe what's happening. We have done everything correctly and we asked our solicitor to appeal the deportation"
"Everyone has been great here. Neighbours have been coming over with messages of support. Drew Hendry has been working for us over his holidays"
"My wife is very thorough with the paperwork and whenever she is unsure about anything, she asks our solicitor. The Home Office needs to check their paperwork."
The Home Office denied the couple's visa renewal on the basis that the business owners have not fulfilled the terms by creating employment for others through their company.
The couple employed one person over 24 months, while requirements state they must employ two people over a 12 month period.
Russell and Ellen no longer have any ties to America and have invested more than £400,000 of their savings into the B&B on Kenneth Street.
Ellen is a bell-ringer in Inverness Cathedral and takes Gaelic classes in her spare time.
The Torridon Guest House is popular and over the years gained a Five-Star rating from Tripadvisor.
SNP MP Drew Hendry said: "They believe and I believe they have complied with all the rules set down for gaining permanent residency here"
"It is mystifying why the UK Government's Immigration Authorities would consider this appropriate particularly at this time of year"
"I've written to the immigration minister on this matter, although I haven't received anything from him so far, and I have sought an urgent meeting with him to sort this matter out."