In an attempt to remain in the nation and continue treatment, the family of a four-year-old girl who is battling for her life at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is now facing a deportation order.
Due to a rare illness known as short bowel syndrome, Sofia needs IV sustenance for 14 hours every day.
When she was diagnosed as a baby in her native Mexico, medical professionals advised her that she needed to travel to the US for treatment that could save her life.
She has been receiving therapy in Los Angeles since the family was granted an emergency visa in 2023. However, after they received a letter stating that their legal status had changed, that status is currently in uncertainty.
Sofia Vargas will only have days to live, according to the lawyers for her and her family, if they do leave the hospital.
According to Gina Amato, one of several lawyers assisting the family unpaid, “The doctors have said unequivocally that if this child’s treatment is interrupted, that she will die within a matter of days. So yes. They must remain in the United States.”
They want to understand why their status was abruptly withdrawn as they confront the uncertain future.
“They were not given any reason as to why. There’s no allegations that they have violated the rules or anything like that,” Amato stated. “They were supposed to have parole through the end of July.”
In an effort to stay in the nation, Vargas’ mother, Deysi, is collaborating with lawyers. Although she is aware that the stakes are quite high, she is making an effort to be strong for her kid.
“If we go back to Mexico, Sofia will be back in the hospital getting the treatment that will not be good for her,” Vargas stated. “Her life will be at risk.”
Read Also: Texas Bill Would Let School Boards, Parents Remove Books from Public School Libraries
Lawyers are hoping the letter Vargas got was an error, like the one that one of the other lawyers for Vargas received in error back in April.
“These are being sent out indiscriminately across the country, but to see it sent to a family whose four-year-old child depends on this life-saving treatment is really shocking,” Amato stated.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, a news conference regarding the family’s next moves is anticipated.
