An appeal was lodged yesterday against a decision to deport an Indian man and his family after a financial dispute.
Swarthick Salins may have to leave his Perth home after his savings dipped £78 below the £800 required by the UK Border Agency.
An appeal against the decision, taken by an immigration tribunal in Glasgow last month, was lodged at the Court of Session in Edinburgh by his solicitor, Angela McCracken.
Mr Salins said: “I’ll have to wait for a date when the hearing will take place.
“Because I’ve lodged the appeal my previous status with the Home Office still exists so I’ll just have to wait and see what its outcome is.”
If the appeal fails he, his three young children and 33-year-old wife Ranjana will be sent back to India.
Mr Salins, 37, of Carnegie Place, moved to Scotland nine years ago to study for a PhD in health geography at St Andrews University. He moved to Perth a year later.
His studies and living costs were financed with a scholarship from the Balcraig Foundation, set up by Stagecoach founder Ann Gloag to assist students from developing countries.
Mr Salins also worked as a carer for Capability Scotland and is continuing to work for the charity, while his wife works in a local Asda store.
Ms Gloag has criticised the tribunal decision as “perverse and ludicrous”, while Perth MP Pete Wishart has said he intends to meet UK Immigration Minister Phil Woolas to discuss the case.
Mr Salins also said he had received “very positive” support from the public.
He said: “It’s been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been stopped in the street and supermarket by people I don’t know asking me more about it and wishing me luck.
“I also seem to have been contacted by everyone who knows me, work colleagues, university friends and people who haven’t been in touch for ages.
“It’s amazing, I’m really thankful and grateful to everyone who’s helping me.”