In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation, the Trump administration is seeking to deport a 4-year-old girl, identified as S.G.V., who suffers from short bowel syndrome—a condition requiring intensive daily medical care. The child and her parents, who entered the United States legally on humanitarian grounds in 2023, have been residing in Bakersfield, California, where she receives treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Last month, the family received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stating that their legal status had been terminated, advising them to leave the country voluntarily to avoid formal deportation proceedings. Medical professionals warn that discontinuation of her treatment, which includes 14 hours of daily intravenous nutrition, could be fatal within days.
Dr. John Arsenault, a physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the specialized care S.G.V. requires is not available in Mexico. He stated that any interruption in her treatment could lead to life-threatening complications.
Advocates and legal experts argue that the administration’s decision violates humanitarian principles and endangers the life of a vulnerable child. They are calling for the reinstatement of the family’s humanitarian parole to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medical care.
This case highlights the broader implications of the administration’s immigration policies, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals with critical health needs. It raises questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and the protection of human rights.
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