An Indian-origin man is appealing to the Federal government of Australia to let his son live in Australia.
Varuna Katyal, who arrived in Australia 12 years ago, has posted a petition on Change.org to urge the Immigration Minister to let his family stay in this country.
Australia has refused his son’s visa, for he lives with cerebral palsy.
“Please sign this petition to urge the Immigration Minister to let our family stay in this country that is our home. Kayaan was born here, and this is the only life he knows. We have been living in limbo for years, heartbroken that the government is singling us out based on Kayaan’s disability,” Mr Katyal has appealed.
Varun says we would already be permanent residents if the government did not discriminate against my son for disability.
“The government wants to deport my boy because he lives with cerebral palsy.”
“My wife and I are model citizens; we pay taxes, pass all checks and comply with everything the Department of Home Affairs has asked for. But I am shocked that the Department wants me to show them that we have a million dollars to take care of my son’s medical costs. It is clear that Kayaan’s disability is the only reason keeping us from staying in this country,” reads the petition.
6-year-old Kayaan was born in Australia with cerebral palsy.
Under Australia’s Migration Act, that can be an automatic fail.
According to an ABC report, the Department of Home Affairs clarifies Kayaan’s disability is the only reason the family cannot stay.
“In a rejection letter sent last month, it said it estimated Kayaan would cost taxpayers $1.23 million over ten years, which would be likely to result in a significant, undue cost to the Australian community in the areas of health care and/or community services,” ABC reports.
Varun Katyal says we shouldn’t have to change our dreams and uproot our lives because of unfair rules under Australia’s Migration Act.
A chef by profession, Varun Katyal had a dream to open his restaurant.
He says we did everything right.
“The only thing preventing us from getting our visas was not in our hands. I’m saddened that a progressive country like Australia discriminates against its migrants if they have a disability,” writes Mr Katyal.
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