Additional Coverage:
- Girl, 4, ‘days from death’ facing ICE deportation granted humanitarian parole for life-saving treatment (irishstar.com)
Four-Year-Old Granted Reprieve from Deportation, Can Continue Life-Saving Treatment
A four-year-old girl, known as “Sofia” to protect her privacy, has been granted a one-year extension of humanitarian parole, allowing her to continue vital medical treatment in Los Angeles. Sofia, who suffers from short bowel syndrome, relies on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), a specialized intravenous feeding method, to receive essential nutrients. Her family’s attorneys had warned that deportation would cut off her access to this life-saving treatment, leading to her death within days.
The family, originally from Mexico, had their initial humanitarian parole revoked last month by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sparking an urgent legal battle and pleas for intervention. The revocation notice, which offered no specific reason, stated that DHS was “exercising its discretion.” Attorneys for the family argued that the decision lacked individualized consideration and ignored the child’s dire medical condition.
The family’s lawyer, Gina Amato, expressed relief at the DHS decision, emphasizing the critical nature of Sofia’s treatment. Sofia receives TPN for at least 14 hours each night at home and wears a portable version during the day. The specialized equipment is not permitted to leave the United States, and comparable treatment options outside the country are extremely limited.
Sofia’s medical journey began in Mexico, where she endured lengthy hospital stays for TPN. Seeking better care, her family legally entered the US almost two years ago and were granted humanitarian parole.
After initial treatment in San Diego, Sofia was transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, renowned for its gastroenterology program. While her health has improved, she remains entirely dependent on TPN for survival.
The Mexican government, through its consulates in Los Angeles and Fresno, had been working with the family’s legal team and advocating with US officials to prevent the deportation. The one-year parole extension offers a temporary reprieve, allowing Sofia to continue her treatment while her family and legal team seek a more permanent solution.