Initial Home Office attempt to deport American musician fails

The UK government was told that Steve Forman (pictured) has a strong case for being allowed to stay in the UK.

Home Office lawyers argued that Dr Forman, 68, a percussionist with the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow earned an insufficient amount from his job under financial rules and that it was in the public interest to deport him back to the US.

His total annual income, including royalties, is over £60,000 – which the Home Office said is too low.

Dr Forman was supported by a number of musicians including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who had high hopes that Dr Forman would be allowed to stay, he said: “I am absolutely delighted that Steve has won his appeal. Justice has been done.”

Dr Forman has also worked with David Bowie, John Lennon.

Fraser Latta, of Latta & Co who represented Dr Forman, said: “I am delighted to advise that decision from the First Tier Tribunal Steve’s appeal under Article 8 of the .

“The designated immigration judge who heard the appeal found that Steve presents as not only an exceptional person but has an exceptionally strong and compelling case to be allowed to remain here.”

Dr Forman said: “The Home Office has two weeks to appeal the decision but I guess, unless I get a call, I can get a visa and we can have one hell of a party. It’s pretty cool.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of my students. This is something we should all feel empowered by. Glasgow won this round. We all stood up for something that was not just about me personally, but a greater ideal.”

So many of Dr Forman’s students and supporters appeared at his hearing last month that they could not all be accommodated by the court.

A Home Office lawyer who did not give her name, said: “The rules are the rules, and the rules can’t be met in this case.”

A spokeswoman for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: “We are looking forward to seeing Steve continuing his great work with students.

“We’re delighted for him, and that we will continue to see him around our corridors. He will still have the exact same number of hours.”