Today, I am almost ashamed of my country
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382566)
Rockingham, Australia
June 29, 2019 4:48am CST
Today I am almost ashamed to be an Australian. A 93-year-old woman, Mollie Manley, has, fortunately, passed away in the last few days. Although 93, her death was hastened by learning recently that she had 28 days to leave the country. She was to be deported back to England where she has no remaining relatives.
Originally from Somerset, England, Ms Manley faced deportation because of health issues. Ms Manley moved to Australia 11 years ago on a visitor’s visa but applied for a aged parent’s visa. This can take up to 13 years to process which is ridiculous in itself. She was allowed to stay in Australia on a bridging visa. Her daughter had a stroke, Ms Manley lost most of her sight, became increasingly infirm and, two years ago, had to go into a nursing home. In May, she received a letter saying she would have to leave.
Now she has died in her sleep which is a great blessing. In fairness, I should say the relevant Minister has said she could stay but he's a bit late with his generosity. I am beyond disgusted that an elderly person could be treated this way.
Photo is of my mother and sister.
36 people like this
29 responses
@moffittjc (128854)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Jun 19
As a government official myself, I see every day that we get caught up the rules, paperwork, and policies that govern the way we do business. Which, of course, leads to lots of red tape and bureaucratic delays. And in the midst of all that mumbo jumbo, we sometimes forget that there are real live people that are being affected by our actions, inactions and decisions. We should always consider the human element of the governmental decisions we make.
4 people like this
@moffittjc (128854)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Jun 19
@JudyEv I agree, but more often than not us government workers are overworked, underpaid, stressed out beyond belief, and otherwise unappreciated. So because of that, many just don't care, or just don't have the time to care. It's not the way it should be, but often it is the way it is.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jul 19
@moffittjc I guess I can accept all that but once a mistake like this is made - and it's monumental - then it should be corrected a bit more quickly.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (24085)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 19
13 years is a disgrace but I can tell you we have our own problems in the UK currently with the Windrush people. They came to the UK in the 50's and 60's from the Caribbean. Worked hard and paid their taxes had children and because they did not apply for citizenship they are now being deported back to their countries even though they have no ties there and no means of support. It is an outrageous situation. Sickening to be quite honest. RIP poor lady!
4 people like this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
29 Jun 19
India is not lagging behind. There is a process on to identify 'foreigners' Many have lived here for years and years.
2 people like this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
30 Jun 19
@JudyEv This present government is ruthless. They are in the process of getting rid of Muslims who they think have migrated from Bangla Desh In the process even genuine citizens are targeted.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 19
@allknowing Some people have no idea of their status. They might have been here all their lives but perhaps been born elsewhere and come here as babies. If that is the case then they can be deported. It's very wrong.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
29 Jun 19
bless that sweet soul, may she be restin' peacefully. i dunno what's wrong with the world? 13 yrs fer an aged parents visa? deportation coz she became ill? ridiculous. here'n the u.s. we've 'lso many troubles regardin' such, but most 'f those folks didn't bother to apply fer any visas. those that did such'n 've followed the laws 'n contributed to their communities now face those uncertainties. e'en those waitin' fer visa renewal 're bein' looked 't harshly.
lovely photo 'f yer momma 'n sis!
2 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
30 Jun 19
@JudyEv i 'gree with ya, hon. jest heartbreakin' 
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 19
I know the US is having their troubles too. Our government is really tough on immigrants at the moment.
@snowy22315 (209177)
• United States
29 Jun 19
That is absurd, don't they have anything better to do there in Australia? Even ICE here, wouldn't be that nuts.
2 people like this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
29 Jun 19
I'm not sure I understand how one member of the British Commonwealth of countries can force a subject of Her Majesty the Queen to relocate to another member country.
It is sad she passed away knowing she was no longer welcome in a place she'd called home for 11 years.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (136008)
• Marion, Ohio
29 Jun 19
That is sad and wrong. Glad she is at peace now.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Jun 19
That case should have been an immediate exception.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 19
It's very sad indeed but thankfully she is past worrying now.
@Torunn (8606)
• Norway
30 Jun 19
@JudyEv You never know though.
The government here is currently trying to send home an Afghan family. They've been here for 5 years, so all the children were under 18 when they came. Now half of them are over 18. They were going to send home the mother and 3 children aged 16, 20 and 21 (I think). The mother was comatose all the way to Istanbul, but the doctors had said it was OK for her to travel. Very weird.
All of them were sent back, 'cause they didn't let the 16 year old travel on without a parent present. The whole thing is very confusing at the moment.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
29 Jun 19
Really sad; they say the law is harsh but it is the law; although there should be considerations like in the case of the very old woman. At least she was spared the heartache of being deported.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 19
Once a person is over a certain age, they should be exempted from such laws.
@JudyEv (382566)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 19
It is a very harsh law I think. Thanks for reading.
