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'He's none the wiser': Heartbreaking detail in sick little boy's deportation nightmare

Little Darragh Hyde is turning four in August. He’s made friends at kindergarten and already has a list of mates he wants to invite to his birthday party.

But there’s a very real chance Darragh will spend his birthday in a foreign country where he doesn’t know anyone his own age.

He has cystic fibrosis and because his Irish parents are not Australian residents, Darragh has been deemed a ‘burden’ to the country and has been given until June 18 to leave the country.

Darragh’s parents, Christine and Anthony, are staying positive as the deadline looms, hoping each time the phone rings that it’s news of an intervention from immigration minister David Coleman.

But the waiting game as each day draws closer to their deportation date is slowly taking its toll.

Darragh Hyde plays on the beach and on a swing set in a split photograph.
Darragh Hyde is turning four in August and has no idea about the immigration battle involving his family. Source: Christine Hyde

“It’s everyday we’re just living in limbo,” Mrs Hyde told Yahoo News Australia.

“We’re getting worse and worse with how we’re coping with it. I’m just getting real anxiety every time the phone rings and emails come through.

“We’ve got decisions to make in terms of rent and our child’s birthday party,” she said, adding that they were still attending parent-teacher conferences for the 2020 school year without even knowing if they were going to be staying in their home in Seymour, central Victoria.

Couple still working full-time as deadline looms

The couple have lived in Australia since 2009. More than three years ago they applied to become permanent residents, but their applications were denied and the family given until June 18 to leave the country.

Determined to stay positive, Mr and Mrs Hyde continue to work full-time and haven’t told Darragh about the possibility of moving away from Australia – the country where he was born and the only place he’s ever called home.

Christine, Darragh and Anthony Hyde pose together for a photo.
Christine, Darragh and Anthony Hyde. Source: Christine Hyde

“Darragh is still none the wiser. He’s planning in his head who’s coming to his birthday party in August,” Mrs Hyde said.

“I need to start booking things for his birthday but I don’t even know if we’re going to be here.

“It’s not just my friend’s kids that are coming to his party, it’s his own friends that he’s made and it’s heartbreaking because you actually don’t know… what if he’s back in Ireland in a country where he doesn’t know anybody? He’s a kid, it’s not nice.

“What do you tell a three-year-old? We can start the conversation but it’s too hard to even finish. I think we’re just going to sit until we get the answer.”

The couple’s lease also ends on July 26 and has become another avenue of stress for the family as they still don’t know if they will be staying or leaving.

Temporary visa to buy more time

In a slight form of relief for the Hyde family, they have been informed that if a decision on their case hasn’t been made by Tuesday they can apply for a bridging visa, which costs $550 per person.

The temporary visa will buy them more time – although Mrs Hyde isn’t sure how long.

Darragh Hyde poses for a photo in front of an army truck.
Darragh's cystic fibrosis has been deemed a 'burden' to Australia. Source: Christine Hyde

“We do believe the ministers that are in charge have a hard job but if they were to really consider our case they would actually say yes. It’s just the timing, it takes so long. What more do they want from us? What more do we have to give?”

Mrs Hyde said she understands the process in place – and she’s not trying to skip that process. The family are just looking for answers so they know their next step.

“I’d be really surprised at this stage if they were to turn around and say no, but you just don’t know what the minister is thinking. It’s the only way to keep us sane I suppose.”

Yahoo News Australia has contacted Immigration Minister David Coleman for comment.

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