HOPES have been dashed that a Derby mother trapped in the United States following a passport mix-up will be returning to the UK in the near future.
To make matters worse, Candice Griffiths, 33, is running out of money and is unlikely to be able to afford the air fare home even if she is allowed to leave.
She has been stuck in San Diego since she went on holiday in February, using her South African passport.
UK Border Agency staff refused her entry back into Britain until she can prove she lives here permanently.
Her father, Ray Kirkland-Hardstaff, has provided the UK Border Agency with 42 documents proving that Candice has lived and worked here since she arrived in Britain with her mother and brother when she was two.
He said: "I was told they were satisfactory and that they proved she was a long-term UK resident and that this would be communicated to staff in the US.
"That was over two weeks ago and now we are told the US people want to see the documents.
"Candice is going for her fourth set of fingerprints this week because previous ones weren't kept.
"She has also been asked for 450 dollars for a visa but we had previously been told in writing by Mark Harper, Minister for Immigration, that the visa fee would be waived in the circumstances.
"But money is getting tough for all of us. It looks like I will have to sell Candice's car to get extra money for her. We are broke, too, because of legal fees and expenses."
Mr Kirkland-Hardstaff, 75, of Copes Way, Chaddesden, said: "Three weeks ago, we were extremely happy that the documents had been accepted but since then things have got worse.
"Both my wife and I are frantic with worry over everything."
Mum-of-one and marketing officer Candice, of Sinfin, has bought plane tickets costing £600 each on four occasions, thinking she would be able to leave. She cannot now get refunds.
A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "We have been in touch with Candice previously and explained what she needs to do.
"So it's strange if they want to see the documents. I will get in touch with my colleagues in New York to clarify what it is they may require, although it could be a misunderstanding."
