Twelve-year-old Abhijot Singh’s Australian dream now hangs in the balance as a federal government decision could see his Indian-born parents, who have lived in Australia for 16 years, deported, as per A Current Affair report.
A Current Affair reports that Amandeep and Stiven Singh arrived in Australia in 2009 and settled in Wyndham Vale, Melbourne’s west. For years, they lived on bridging visas while awaiting permanent residency. Earlier this year, they were informed their permanent residency would not be granted and were instructed to leave by November.
Because Abhijot was born in Australia, he is an Australian citizen and is technically allowed to remain. “He’s never lived without us,” Amandeep, who works in airport security, told A Current Affair.
“We both work full time and pay tax. We didn’t commit any crime.”
After unsuccessful appeals through tribunals, the family took their case to Immigration Minister Tony Burke, hoping for intervention.
A Current Affair obtained a classified government briefing prepared by the Department of Home Affairs, which outlined possible pathways to allow the Singhs to stay. Despite this, it is being reported that the Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite decided not to intervene.
The family’s lawyer, former immigration tribunal member Joseph Italiano, called the decision unprecedented. He told A Current Affair that children born in Australia to foreign parents automatically gain citizenship at age 10.
“The minister could say the child is not being asked to leave — he’s Australian — but seriously? I think the public will be horrified.”
The decision appears at odds with new ministerial guidelines, which prioritise cases where a minor child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke issued a brief statement. “The Indian Australian community has a proud history of working strictly within the law and abiding by the Migration Act.”
“This couple has been told to leave. They should show their respect for Australian law, leave and then apply offshore.”
Italiano said the family does not qualify to “apply offshore” and are now considering appealing to the High Court.
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