Over 110,000 people have signed a petition against the deportation of a three-year-old boy because of his ‘burdensome’ ill health.
Anthony and Christine Hyde, from Dublin, Ireland, face being booted out of Australia in just over a week because their boy, Darragh, has cystic fibrosis.
The family’s request for permanent residency was turned down in 2015, due to the potential cost of Darragh’s medical bills, which would be passed on to taxpayers.
The Hydes launched an appeal with a government tribunal, however the Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton has yet to review their case, despite their impending deportation.
On the petition page, Christine wrote: “Australia is the only home our son knows.
“The tribunal does not have the power to overturn the health assessment and as such unless the Hon David Coleman MP, Hon Peter Dutton MP or Senator Linda Reynolds can help us, we will be forced to leave our friends, family, and the life we have built for ourselves in Australia.
“Darragh has been doing extremely well considering his condition, and we have positive letters from his doctors and specialist stating that he should live a full life and that his disease progression will be much slower than average.
“His condition has no effect on his cognitive ability and should he wish to finish school and go to University, he has every chance at being successful in a career path of his choosing.
Darragh is a bright boy with a positive future ahead of him.”
Christine said she and her husband, who have been in Australia for the last ten years, said they are ‘extremely grateful’ to live in the country.
Both of them have jobs, with Christine working as an assistant head teacher, while Anthony is a part-time bus driver.
The couple face being deported on June 18, according to 7 News.
