THE Home Office has confirmed it will reconsider the case of a US-born mother facing deportation after her visa application was turned down.

It comes after The Argus reported how US-born Katy James, 40, of Glendale Avenue, Eastbourne, was told last Saturday her request for a visa had been rejected, and that she must leave the country within 14 days.

She has decided to appeal – a process which can take up to 12 months – after she and husband Dominic, 42, and two-year-old daughter Madeline met with Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell on Wednesday afternoon.

Ms Ansell said then she would be taking the case up with the Home Office next week, but she has now received confirmation that the matter will be reviewed.

She said: "I’m very pleased for the family that the Immigration Minister James Brokenshire has said there will be a reconsideration of Katy’s application.

"This does not mean that the decision has been rescinded, but the letter I have received makes it clear that a fresh set of eyes will look at the application.

"I think we should be confident that the decision will be reversed on the basis the three have a right to family life under human rights legislation and because of the impact on Madeline should Katy be forced to leave.

"This has been a very trying time for the family and I hope that tonight they can sleep a little more soundly. I will be working with the Home Office and the family to ensure that this reconsideration goes smoothly.

"There has been much debate over immigration rules in this case, but my focus was always to keep this family together. There are rules, and quite rightly so, but there is also discretion when unique circumstances arise.

"I thank the minister for his prompt response to this issue."

Katy and Dominic have both praised the MP for her swift intervention but they realise this isn’t all over yet.

Katy said: "We still don't want to take the pressure off though because as they say the decision has not been rescinded yet."

A petition on change.org urging PM David Cameron to allow the family to stay in the UK has already been signed by more than 2,000 people.

A Home Office spokesman said: "All applications are considered on their individual merits and in accordance with the immigration rules.

'This case is ongoing so it would be inappropriate to comment further."