Family with Deaf son in Australia facing deportation because of burden on taxpayers

There were several news articles about a deaf son from Bhutan, Kinley Wangchuk (18), and his family, who were rejected a permanent residency visa in Australia because Kinley did not pass the health requirement. 
They moved from Bhutan to Australia in 2012 on a work visa. Kinley’s parents are trained nurses. He has a younger brother, who is 17 and hearing. 

They wanted to live in Australia permanently, but in the country, applicants must be free of diseases or conditions that would cost taxpayer money by requiring health care, community services or, in his case, disability services.

The Australia Administrative Appeals Tribunal rejected their permanent visa application a few weeks ago. 

The family is facing deportation this month and will be given a “temporary” visa during the appeal process, but won’t be allowed to work in Australia. 

The country’s immigration minister, David Coleman, will make the final decision.

When Kinley moved to Australia, he did not have a language but learned Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) and has been doing well in high school.

Kinley’s mother said her son never visits doctors, only goes to one hearing test every year, is independent and doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

They held a rally in front of the Parliament House in Canberra last Friday. 

Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John, who uses a wheelchair, tweeted that the decision to deport Wangchuck is a disgrace and called on the immigration minister to intervene. 

A retired teacher for the deaf at Kinley’s school, David Randall, started a petition on change.org titled, “Let Kinley and his family stay in Australia.” It has about 48,000 supporters so far. 

The teacher said, “What kind of country would deport a family simply for having a deaf son? This is not who we are.” 

https://www.change.org/.../let-kinley-and-his-family-stay...

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/.../queanbeyan-familys.../

https://www.abc.net.au/.../deportation-looms-for.../10957590

https://www.sbs.com.au/.../advocacy-groups-lobby-to-halt...

https://www.theguardian.com/.../family-face-deportation...

https://twitter.com/Jordonsteele/status/1113613095606206465