Government after Government have allowed the Acceptable Standard of Health requirements to discriminate against migrants based on disability or health status for two decades now.
Since at least 2016, some of us have spoken out, despite the risks, and news organisations have covered our stories.
These pieces show the big picture.
Overland Magazine, 2022
Time to scrap ableist migration rules down under
Stuff, 2022
Immigration policy discriminates against disabled
Stuff, 2022
Government won’t review ‘discriminatory’ immigration policy
Threatened and stuck in limbo
We have faced life-altering uncertainty and threats of deportation because of ASH. Many of us have been stuck in limbo for years, whether in NZ or offshore.
The Guardian, 2022
New Zealand denies entry to autistic daughter of immigrant couple
Newshub, 2022
Mexican man claims he was rejected for New Zealand residency because he’s too fat
Stuff, 2022
After seven years in New Zealand, family stuck in visa limbo over daughter’s disability
Stuff, 2021
Too fat for NZ: Mum can’t lose weight fast enough for immigration officials
Re: News, 2021
This man is facing deportation because of his disability
Newshub, 2020
Paraplegic woman facing deportation from New Zealand blames ‘a system that discriminates’
Stuff, 2019
Traumatised mosque shootings survivors’ son might not qualify for special visa
RNZ, 2017
Man hopes son won’t be deported: ‘He’s not going to survive by himself’
Good news at huge cost
Some of us have received good news but only after long, costly, and exhausting fights.
Newsroom, 2021
Renewed hope for migrant fighting to change the ‘ableist’ system
NZ Herald, 2021
Stuff, 2020
Auckland woman with disability wins years-long immigration battle
NZ Herald, 2018
High Court sets aside decision to deny intellectually disabled woman New Zealand residency
Facing deportation
Others of us had built a life in Aotearoa only to face deportation or feel obliged to leave.
Newshub, 2022
Disabled man being deported to India despite living in New Zealand for 22 years (this is not on ASH grounds but is still a case of unjust and inhumane discrimination against a disabled migrant)
Newshub, 2022
NZ Herald, 2017
Family ‘devastated’ blind daughter will be deported
The Guardian, 2016
My son’s autism meant he was refused New Zealand residency – so we’re leaving
End ASH Now 