Our son Adyan was born in Geelong on 26 December 2013, our own Boxing Day miracle. Due to a mild stroke that he suffered during delivery, Adyan lives with a minor disability, mainly in his left hand. Because of this, the Government is trying to deport our entire family to Bangladesh.

In December 2016, our family’s application for permanent residency was refused by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection  - because Adyan was assessed as having a condition that made him a burden on the Australian taxpayer. We appealed this decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, but the tribunal does not have the power to overturn the health assessment. Our final hope rests with a ministerial intervention by Immigration Minister David Coleman to support our case.

Meanwhile, according to reports from his specialist, Adyan is cognitively developing like any other normal child. He is independent in his physical movement - Adyan loves to run, jump and play like any other 5 year old, carefree kid. His teachers at kindergarten are happy with him and think he is a delight. He only requires limited physiotherapy and occupational therapy services, which we pay for ourselves.

We are afraid that if Adyan is deported to my old home of Bangladesh, his development-related therapy will stop. 

We are also afraid of the severe social discrimination that Adyan might face in Bangladesh because of his mild disability. It is so important to us that Adyan continues to develop as a normal kid in Australia, the only home he has ever known.

We love Australia and think of it as our home. I have completed my PhD in engineering here, and my wife is becoming a registered GP here. We are hardworking, self-sufficient parents who have built a life for our son in this beautiful country. Now we are under immense stress and are counting each day that passes, fearing possible deportation.

Please sign this petition if you believe Adyan has the right to grow and live a healthy life in Australia. A child’s disability is no reason to deport them from the only life they have ever known. Please, support us as we fight for the opportunity to contribute to our community, and give our little miracle the life he deserves.