My name is Wonsang Lee, my family have called Australia home for almost 18 years, and we are at risk of being torn apart and forced to leave the place we hold so dear. We are pleading for your support to help us remain in our home in Australia. 

In 2016, I applied for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent residency visa, to secure our family's future in Australia. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, such as my nominator's withdrawal of my nomination and the fraudulent and incompetent conduct of my Migration Agent, my application was refused. This situation has caused significant stress and emotional hardship for my family and me, as we have lost valuable time and our only genuine opportunity to become permanent residents.

My wife is a registered nurse who has been working in Australia for over a decade. She has gained a wealth of experience and expertise in her profession and is highly regarded by her colleagues and patients. She worked long hours during the COVID-19 pandemic and wants to continue contributing to the community at a time when Australia is already facing a nursing shortage. In fact, my daughter is also following her mum and has begun her career as a registered nurse.

We came to this country with dreams and aspirations of building a meaningful and dedicated life in a place that values freedom, respect, and equal opportunities. Australia has become our home, and we have contributed to this society through our work and daily lives.

While my daughter was recently granted a permanent residence visa, my wife, son, and I have not been so fortunate. We are dependent on each other for mental and social support, and it would be a difficult situation for my daughter to remain in Australia alone.

We have built a life here in Australia, and leaving would mean leaving behind the place we have called home for almost two decades. It would also mean leaving behind the friends, colleagues, and community that we have grown to love and cherish.

We are calling on the Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles MP to consider our case with compassion and empathy, so we can continue living in Australia as a family.

This is our last hope and chance, our future as a family hangs in the balance.