A 'cold, heartless decision'

A  'cold, heartless decision' is what Ms Sevilla has to battle with within 28 days because  her son's autism is seen as a 'burden on the Australian health system' according to the Immigration Department. She has no option than to accept her deportation to the Philippines unless some miracle happen.

Maria Sevilla has lived in Australia since 2007 and can attest to the fact that the quality of life in Australia is far better than that in the Philippines. Her son, Tyrone was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, six months after they arrived in Australia. In spite of this challenge she's been able to live happily with him because living in Australia 'changed everything' for her and her son. Her dream of becoming a nurse only materialized when she migrated to Australia. In fact, she said 'Coming here and becoming a nurse has given me assurance for our future and a sense of fulfillment'. But why will this blissful experience come to an end because of her son's challenge? The Philippines does not and has never looked promising to her. Her hope appears to have been dashed because  Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has not responded favorably to her plea for her future.

Queensland Disabilities Minister Coralee O'Rourke calls the decision a 'cold, heartless decision' by the government. This is true because moving to the Philippines will compound Tyrone's autism as seen in Ms Sevilla's words: 'Tyrone notices any change to his routine. Even if I drive him a different route to school, he'll notice and react with a tantrum. But once you calm him down he's fine. 'But if we're asked to go back to the Philippines, we'd have to start from scratch. Tyrone only knows English. He only knows life in Australia.'