Toowoomba Family Faces Deportation After 14 Years in Australia
Reyna Nangan and Karin Yechoku, a couple from the Philippines and Thailand, are at risk of deportation from Australia after residing in the country for over 14 years.
Their eight-year-old daughter, Kaia, was born in Toowoomba, where the family owns a restaurant.
Immigration Status
The family's initial bid for permanent residency was unsuccessful, which Reyna Nangan attributes to a past employer's alleged failure to complete a visa application.
Their application for ministerial intervention was denied late last year, with the Department of Home Affairs stating it was not a substantive public interest case.
A spokesperson for the Department noted that visa applicants are legally responsible for meeting visa criteria, even in cases of employer misconduct, and ministerial intervention is reserved for very limited, exceptional circumstances.
Reyna Nangan has filed a second request with the immigration minister and has been approved for a bridging visa while awaiting a decision.
Community and Political Support
The family has received significant community support.
Nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition advocating for the immigration minister's intervention.
Dale Hockey and Jane Schuller, long-time customers of their restaurant, expressed strong support for the family, highlighting their hardworking nature and positive community contributions.
Garth Hamilton, the local Federal MP for Groom, has also joined calls for the family to be allowed to stay, confirming his team is engaged with Home Affairs on the matter.
Reyna Nangan expressed gratitude for the widespread support.
She emphasized their desire for Australia to become their permanent home to secure opportunities for their daughter.