Close friends of asylum seeker Amir Mesrinejad have cautiously welcomed the federal cabinet's decision to re-examine rules associated with the immigration and detention system.
"I'm glad they've made the decision," says Helen Binns, wife of the Sydney Anglican who led Mr Mesrinejad to Christ. "But it still has to be worked through."
Stewart and Helen Binns are in constant contact with the Iranian refugee who converted to Christianity during his four year stay in Villawood, and now faces the death penalty if returned to his country.
"You sort of feel helpless, my stomach is churning," Helen Binns says. "We're still concerned about Amir and other."
The federal cabinet has met to consider relaxing restrictions on temporary protection visas (TPVs) and rules relating to long-term detainees.
Archbishop Peter Jensen who has been lobbying for Mr Mesrinejad's release after four years detention, says the government's rethink is a timely one.
"We must welcome the fact that the Government has acted with compassion not just to the Christian asylum seekers, but to all the stateless, long-term detainees," Archbishop Peter Jensen says.
Mr. Mesrinejad has had his application for a TPV rejected.
But news that immigration minister Senator Amanda Vanstone is reconsidering 30 cases from Iran and Iraq, some involving religious persecution, has provided fresh hope.
However Helen Binns says even if changes allow Mr. Mesrinejad to obtain the visa, there is no guarantee his future will be secured.
"TPVs should lead to permanent residency but they don't always," she says. "They have to be reassessed.
"We've got to keep up the pressure. Why should people on TPVs have to go through this all again if they have been proved worthy of Australia's protection?"
For more information, see the Sydneyanglicans.net article Sent home to no home at all
