A couple separated by immigration red tape have been hit by further delays in their quest to be reunited.
US-born Herb Reagan and his British wife Gill have been living apart since last July – when Mr Reagan was refused entry to the UK.
The couple had hoped to start a new life in Nottingham after having spent a decade as missionaries in South Africa.
A tribunal judge ruled that Mr Reagan's deportation was a breach of the couple's human rights in April.
Father-of-three Mr Reagan, 47, has spent the last few weeks waiting for the verdict to be written up.
He said his heart leapt when an envelope from the Home Office arrived in America this week – but instead it was a letter notifying him of the department's intention to appeal against the decision to allow Mr Reagan into the country.
His 43-year-old wife said the news had left the couple "devastated".
Mrs Reagan, of Highclere Drive, Carlton, said: "The judge agreed on human rights grounds that we should be reunited and the Home Office was going to appeal the decision. We couldn't understand it."
Mr Reagan was refused entry into the country, despite having previously been granted indefinite leave to remain as he had lived in England for 12 years before the couple emigrated.
The couple married in Nottingham in 1993 and lived in the UK before moving to South Africa.
They had two appeals against the deportation turned down, and missed celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary together as a result.
Mr Reagan also celebrated his birthday away from his wife and their children last month, as he is currently staying with relatives in Georgia, USA.
Upon receiving the Home Office's letter, the family got in touch with Gedling MP Vernon Coaker for help.
And since being contacted by the Post and Mr Coaker this week, the Home Office has now said it no longer plans to appeal.
Of the Home Office's change of tact, Mrs Reagan said: "We're just back to waiting now."
Mr Coaker took up the matter with Immigration Minister James Brokenshire after being informed of the Home Office's initial decision to lodge an appeal.
Mr Coaker said: "Here was a family thinking they are able to be reunited after the Court of Appeal found in their favour, and the Government lodged an appeal.
"It was unacceptable and devastating, and I fought the battle once again for the family."
Mr Coaker's office said he is expecting to receive a formal response from the Government outlining its position in the coming days.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Office will no longer be appealing this case."
What do you think of the Home Office's change of heart? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
