Blacktown, NSW. August 20, 2010. Analiza Capili sheepishly approached this writer, quite nervous because of what the Department of Immigrations has instructed her to do. She must present to Immigration authorities plane tickets by the end of this month to prove that she and husband Hinmel Capili, together with their 5 children would soon be returning to the Philippines. Failure to meet the deadline would result in the deportation of the entire family.
Analiza failed to meet the passing grade when she took the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Her score was only 4.5 out of the required minimum of 5 points. According to Analiza, the passing grade was only 4 points before she arrived in Australia. Since then, she said that they (Immigrations) have increased the ‘pass’ mark to 6.
Only a few months ago, a Chinese couple arrived in Sydney to reunite with their only daughter who lives in a nearby suburb. Neither of them could speak nor understand English. They were granted permanent status anyway. The couple now attends English classes at Blacktown, fully financed by the government.
Immigration policies appear to be very complicated and may vary depending on the situation of each applicant.
Analiza hails from Better Living Subdivision in Parañaque City, Metro Manila. The family lives in rented quarters in Doonside, NSW. Their youngest child who is barely 5 years old, cannot speak nor understand the Filipino language because he was still a baby when the family arrived in 2005.
On the strength of a work permit issued by Immigrations, Mrs. Capili is currently employed with Blacktown Worker’s Club. Her meager salary at Highlights Restaurant is hardly sufficient to cover normal living expenses. A one way ticket back to the Philippines would cost the family at least $6,000 which the Capilis certainly do not have.
But according to Analiza, all her 5 children have adopted well to the standard of living in Australia. With the high unemployment rate and economic situation in the Philippines, they face a bleak future if the family would be compelled to return to Manila.
Mr. Neil Galang, President of Blacktown Migrant Workers Union, said that he would soon launch a community appeal addressed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Immigration. The appeal is aimed at obtaining permanent residency for the Capilis. – ?
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