What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A hard-working American family have been told they have to leave Britain next month - despite building a booming business.

Jim and Vaughn Cavanagh, originally from New Jersey, moved to the UK with their two daughters in 2008 and have since invested nearly £100,000 in their shop in North Ferriby, East Yorkshire.

But the couple have fallen foul of immigration laws - which are facing a tough crackdown under the Tories - and must leave when their visas run out in August.

They employ three part-time staff at their shop The Krafting Bee, a vintage haberdasher and gift shop, and support other local independent businesses.

Mrs Cavanagh, 50, said: "We are absolutely devastated that it has come to this.

"We have had eight incredibly happy, amazing years in the UK and we really don't want to have to leave.

"Our youngest daughter was only five when we arrived and she is so English in many ways.

(Image: Caters)

"It is going to be hard for both of the girls when we go back - it's something we haven't really come to terms with yet."

The family first came to the UK when Mr Cavanagh, 54, was offered a job at consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser in Hull.

He was made redundant three years later, but daughters Michaela, 16, and 13-year-old Madeline were keen to stay in the country that had become their home.

The couple were granted entrepreneurial visas and opened The Krafting Bee - which sells handmade products from local supplies, helping to support nine other independent businesses.

The store also has a workshop that hosts regular classes in sewing and embroidery.

But last month, an immigration lawyer told the couple that despite supporting local jobs, they did not meet the right criteria to remain in the country.

poll loading Do you support an immigration cap? 3000+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

Mrs Cavanagh said: "We have private health care, private dentistry and the girls go to a private school, so we are not a drain on anybody.

"If anything, we are providing work for people so forcing us to leave means British people will lose more money than they will save.

"With everything we have invested in the community, it is very hard for me to understand why we have to leave."

The couple hope to continue to run their business from the US for as long as possible, but accept it may eventually have to close.

(Image: BBC)

Mrs Cavanagh said: "It is very frustrating that we have to leave, just when the business was starting to thrive.

"I do understand there need to be rules but I really think you should be able to assess individuals and their contributions.

"As long as you keep working, and as long as you support and invest in your community, I think you should be allowed to stay.

"It just doesn't seem fair."

A Home Office spokesman said the rules for the Cavanaghs' visa renewals had not changed, and the couple would have been aware of the criteria they had to meet to remain in the UK.

He said: "We have not received an extension application in relation to this case."