Perth parents say they “genuinely fear” for their son’s life if they are forced to leave the country because the toddler has cystic fibrosis (CF).
Two-year-old Luca was born in Australia but isn’t a citizen and the government says the potential cost of his treatment is too much for taxpayers.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Perth family facing deportation because toddler has cystic fibrosis.
“(We’re) just devastated. This has been our home for eight years. We’ve got friends, family, Luca’s godparents are here,” his mother Laura Currie said.
CF is a genetic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system.
The sticking point for the family is a life-saving drug called Trikafta.
The treatment is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and costs Australian CF patients $42.50 but, without the discount, it soars to $250,000 a year.
The official estimate for his medical bill is $1.8m over 10 years, money the government is not prepared to pay for Luca despite him being born here.
The toddler is not currently taking Trikafta and might not even be compatible with it.
Luca’s father Dante Vendittell, a construction worker from Italy, and Currie, a child educator from Scotland, met in Australia eight years ago and are now on bridging visas.
The family is living in limbo because they could get a phone call as soon as next week ordering them out.
It would leave them with just 28 days to pack up and leave Australia.
“The UK health care is practically non-existent, it’s literally on its knees,” Currie said.
“I genuinely fear for Luca’s life.”
Lawyer John Hammond said it could be time for a rethink.
“I think there’s a huge unfairness when you think we’ve got people with criminal records that are being set free by the high court yet we’re going to be sending home people that are making a very valuable contribution,” he said.
The government was contacted for comment but it did not answer 7NEWS’s questions on Luca’s case.