Jeanine’s story
Jeanine is a refugee from East Africa, who, fearing for her life, fled her home country.
She became separated from her two sons in her escape, and reached out to RACS for legal support when she arrived in Australia.
Her ordeal through the legal system would last years, until finally, she was granted a permanent visa.
“When I heard I’d been granted a permanent visa, I felt overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.”
“I couldn’t go through [this] without the help of RACS.”
As an assistant nurse, Jeanine was considered an essential worker during the COVID-19 crisis, caring for Australians in the community during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
With a permanent visa, Jeanine is able to continue her work helping vulnerable people beyond the pandemic, without worrying about being turned away to danger.
“I’m passionate about caring for and helping vulnerable people of all ages – elders, children and adults,” Jeanine said.
Once Jeanine was granted a permanent visa, RACS was able to help her navigate a complex legal process once again to secure visas for her children to come to Australia.
RACS Senior Supervising Solicitor Ben Lumsdaine worked on Jeanine’s case, helping her receive permanent protection in Australia.
“I was overjoyed when I heard Jeanine’s sons had made it to Australia. Working with Jeanine over many years I knew the great toll it had taken on her to be separated from her children for years and how hard she had worked to be able to live with them again,” Ben said.
“I am also in awe at Jeanine’s resilience and character overcoming so much to get her family back together.”
“In Africa, people struggle for different reasons; some people don’t have enough to eat, others can’t afford to learn [and get an education]. We could afford these things, but we weren’t safe. At least now I know me and my children are safe,” Jeanine said.
RACS was able to reunite Jeanine and her children through the RACS Family Reunion program.
“No person fleeing persecution should have to endure years of separation from their family as it only adds to the pain they’ve been through,” Ben said.
