Maria Sevilla and her son Tyrone. Photo: change.org
The mother of a nine-year-old boy facing deportation back to Philippines because of his autism has begun an online campaign to have him stay in Australia.
Ma Cecilia Maria Sevilla moved to Australia in 2007 to study nursing and build a life for herself and her then two-year-old son.
This year she applied for a 489 skilled visa but it was refused because her son did not meet the health requirement of the Migration Act.
Her only options are to send Tyrone back to Philippines and she stay in Australia, they both return to their native Philippines, or she take a stand and fight the decision.
She has now launched a petition on change.org pleading with Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to allow her and Tyrone to stay in Australia.
I've worked for years, raising my son and studying to be a nurse. Yet all of it could be taken away because the government thinks that children with autism are going to be more of a cost to Australian society than a benefit - but thats just not true! she writes on the petition.
He is a happy child with full of life attitude and can lighten the mood of a room with his presence.
The idea that he cant contribute because of his condition is just wrong.
Tyrones personal security, human and child rights, and dignity are at stake if he is sent there, she wrote.
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Woman's visa refused because her son has autism