Risk of 4-year-old's demise escalates if deported from the U.S., lawyer warns
A 4-year-old girl with a critical medical condition may face imminent danger if she is deported to Mexico, according to her legal representatives. The child, referred to as Sofia, suffers from Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), a condition that prevents her from absorbing nutrients and fluid from food on her own.
Sofia has been receiving lifesaving medical treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles since her family crossed the border from Mexico in 2023, her legal team announced in a press conference on Wednesday. Due to the specialized nature of her care, her treatment can only be administered in the United States.
The family's immigration status, granted through humanitarian parole, has been threatened, with three notices from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicating its termination. One such notice, dated April 11, stated, "It is time for you to leave the United States." In response to press inquiries, a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security clarified that any reports of active deportation proceedings are "false," and their application for humanitarian parole is still under consideration.
The child's mother, Deysi Vargas, emphasized that if her immigration status is revoked, not only will she and her daughter be deported but also her work permits would be cancelled. Gina Amato Lough, directing attorney at Public Counsel, conceded that deporting the family under these circumstances constitutes a moral failure and a violation of humanity and decency.
Lawmakers, medical professionals, and legal advocates have taken notice of Sofia's case, emphasizing the urgent need for her to remain in the United States for her medical care. According to Public Counsel, Sofia has regular hospital visits every six weeks and cannot receive adequate care in Mexico. She requires specialized IV treatments for up to 14 hours a day and four daily administrations of nutrition through a gastric tube.
Congresswoman Julia Brownley and several other members of Congress, along with California Senators, have formally urged the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider and reverse the termination of the family's immigration status to prevent a life-threatening outcome. Legal representatives from Public Counsel are actively advocating for the continuation of Sofia's medical treatment in the United States and have not received a response to their applications for humanitarian parole.
In light of these developments, Sofia's future in the United States hinges on humanitarian parole policies, political and legal pressure, and medical testimony demonstrating the necessity of continuous care in the U.S. With the urgency of her medical needs, there is a strong precedent and rationale to prevent the deportation of this 4-year-old girl with SBS, ensuring her continued access to lifesaving treatment in the United States. The case remains under active review and advocacy efforts are ongoing to secure her continued stay in the U.S.
- The family's health and wellness, particularly Sofia's, are at stake due to the threat to her immigration status.
- The specialized treatment Sofia receives for her Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) cannot be found in Mexico, making it crucial for her to remain in the United States.
- Sofia's medical care is not just a health matter; it's also a concern for science, given the complex nature of her treatments.
- The child's family, including her mother, stand to lose their work permits and face deportation, impacting family health and stability.
- Mental health is also a factor in this matter, as the uncertainty and potential separation could have damaging effects on all family members.
- The case of Sofia has garnered attention from women's health advocates, parenting groups, and those involved in general news, crime, and justice discussions, highlighting the broader implications of this issue.
