Liezle Antonio gave birth on July 8, 2009. Prior to that, she was given just a few days by the Department of Immigration to pack up and leave Australia. It all happened after her application for permanent residency was denied. Her case is now being re-assessed by the Immigration Review Tribunal.
Liezle arrived in Australia some 7 years ago on a student’s visa. She studied nursing at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney from where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She is now a registered nurse working in a nursing home. Upon learning of her problem, her employer declined to sponsor her permanent residency. Apparently, the nursing home did not want to get involved.
Even if she wanted to comply with the order received from the Department of Immigrations, no airline would allow an expectant mother in her condition to board an aircraft.
Neil Galang, civic leader and head of Migrant Worker’s Union has spearheaded an appeal on Liezle’s behalf for humanitarian reasons. Solicitor and Barrister Michael Vassili is providing legal assistance pro bono.