The Queensland government has called a government decision to deport a single-mother and her son 'cold and heartless'. Townsville nurse Maria Sevilla and her son, Tyrone, will be forced out of the country within 28 days, after Ms Sevilla's appeal to the Immigration Department was unsuccessful. The single-mum initially  had her visa application rejected because her son's autism would be a 'burden on the Australian health system', according to the Immigration Department. Scroll down for video . Tyrone (pictured) and his mother Maria Sevilla have had their visa application rejected and are facing deportation back to the Philippines . After Ms Sevilla's appeal was unsuccessful, her and her son will be deported within 28 days . Ms Sevilla said she did not want to be a burden, and was working in Australia in an effort to give her son the best possible 'future'. Queensland Disabilities Minister Coralee O'Rourke called it a 'cold, heartless decision' by the Federal Government. 'I call on them to reverse the decision,' she said, according to the ABC. Ms Sevilla said she hoped Immigration Minister Peter Dutton would exercise his ministerial power and allow them to stay. 'It's like, I'm pleading for our life, for Tyrone's future,' she said. A spokeswoman for Minister Dutton said the Migration Review Tribunal had reviewed the case and affirmed the original decision. 'Most visas for Australia require applicants to meet the health requirements set out in Australian migration law,' the spokeswoman said. 'The health requirements are an objective assessment to determine whether the care of an individual during their stay in Australia would likely result in significant costs on the Australian community. 'The visa was refused because the child did not meet the health requirement.' Ms Sevilla, a single mum and nurse in the Queensland town of Townsville, has lived in Australia with her son since 2007. She says it is the only place he knows, and he only knows English . Maria Sevilla has lived in Australia since 2007, when she arrived in the Queensland town of Townsville - a single mother wanting to become a nurse, in the hope of finding a better life for herself and for her baby. Her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, six months after they arrived in Australia. Ms Sevilla told Daily Mail Australia the new life in Australia 'changed everything' for her and her son, and she was able to fulfill her 'dream' of working as a nurse. It was not possible for Ms Sevilla to work as a nurse in the Philippines, where she said university is only possible for 'well-off families'. 'Coming here and becoming a nurse has given me assurance for our future and a sense of fulfilment,' she said. Ms Sevilla also rejected claims her son will be a burden on the country. 'All of it could be taken away because the government thinks that children with autism are going to be more of a cost to Australian society than a benefit – but that's just not true,' she said. Ms Sevilla has made a petition and is appealing the decision to send herself and her son back to the Philippines - a place where she has no family and no network of support. 'Everything is here for us. My work, our family, our home is here, Tyrone's school.' Ms Sevilla's application for a Skilled-Region visa subclass 489 has been rejected by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection due to Tyrone's autism. The rejection letter states that Tyrone 'has a severe autism spectrum disorder, a condition that is likely to be permanent in nature'. It stated that he would likely need special education services, state disability services, Commonwealth disability services and residential care services. 'Tyrone would be likely to result in a significant cost to the Australian community in the areas of health care,' the rejection letter said. A spokeswoman for then-Immigration Minister Scott Morrison released a statement about the initial rejection. 'The visa was refused because the child did not meet the health requirement,' the spokeswoman said. 'The applicant was advised of her options for independent review of the decision. People can only seek ministerial intervention once a refusal decision has been upheld at merits review'. Tyrone is a 'very cheeky, happy little boy' who is thriving at his specialised school in Townsville . Before appealing the decision, Ms Sevilla said she had received heartwarming support from many Australians. 'I have received so many messages from mums of children with Autism; it's very prevalent in Australia,' Ms Sevilla said . 'As a mother of a child with Autism, I know it isn't a disease you have to cure, but one you have to manage. 'Tyrone is a happy child with full of life attitude and can lighten the mood of a room with his presence. 'The idea that he can't contribute because of his condition is just wrong. People with autism can be excellent at a whole range of things; he just needs to be given a chance.' Ms Sevilla is sad, not angry, that the Immigration Department does not understand Autism, and says that her son deserves a chance . Due to Tyrone's autism, even minor changes to their routines troubles him, meaning having their deportation would cause enormous issues for the little boy. 'Tyrone notices any change to his routine. Even if I drive him a different route to school, he'll notice and react with a tantrum. But once you calm him down he's fine. 'But if we're asked to go back to the Philippines, we'd have to start from scratch. Tyrone only knows English. He only knows life in Australia.' Ms Sevilla lives with her brother and his wife, with her mother only fifteen minutes away - or as Ms Sevilla explains it 'just a phone call away'. They are a crucial support for her and adored by Tyrone. Ms Sevilla says there is no support for them in Tyrone, compared to Australia, where her beloved mother, brother, sister-in-law, aunty, uncle and cousins live. Tyrone is very happy with them, and are a crucial support for Ms Sevilla, which includes caring for Tyrone when Ms Sevilla is on night shift. 'I have found a better life for my family in Australia with my close family. My mother, stepfather and Tyrone's uncle and aunty are so important for Tyrone and I. 'They are a big help, as any single mum would understand.' Ms Sevilla (pictured second from the left, in pink) and her son Tyrone (centre, in blue cap) say they have 'never felt lonely' in Australia, despite their challenges, because of all the support they have been given . Ms Sevilla says that through all her challenges, Australia has been a safe, caring place for her and her son. 'I have a lot of support from the community. I have my family. I have never felt alone.' To sign the petition to keep Maria Sevilla and her son Tyrone in Australia, click the link here .
Mother and autistic son to be deported to Philippines within 28 days . Maria Sevilla and her son, Tyrone, have lived in Australia since 2007 . Appeal rejected because son's autism could be a burden on government . Their family is in Queensland, Sevilla is a nurse at Townsville Hospital . Queensland Disabilities Minister says decision is 'cold and heartless' Immigration Department says child does not meet visa health requirements .