Australian visa

US Influencer Faces Backlash for Taking Baby Wombat from Mother

Following public outcry and a petition garnering over 10,000 signatures, Australian immigration officials are reviewing the visa of a woman who filmed herself mishandling a wombat joey. The woman’s actions, which conservationists deem “appalling” and potentially illegal, involved removing the joey from its mother and placing it in harm’s way. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the scrutiny surrounding this incident likely precludes future visa applications. Several high-profile Australian officials have condemned the woman’s behavior, highlighting the importance of protecting native wildlife.

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US Influencer Faces Deportation After Wombat Joey Theft

Montana-based hunting influencer Sam Jones is under investigation for potentially violating her Australian visa after a video surfaced showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother. The footage, widely condemned as callous and dreadful by government officials and wildlife organizations, depicts Jones briefly holding the joey before returning it. Australian officials are reviewing her visa status to determine if immigration laws were broken, with strong statements indicating a likely future visa denial. Jones, who has since made her social media private, has defended her actions, claiming minimal harm to the animal.

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