**4-Year-Old Child and Mother Receive Humanitarian Parole Extension in the U.S. for Life-Saving Treatment**

In a recent development, Deysi Vargas and her four-year-old daughter, who have been residing in the United States since 2023, were granted a one-year extension of their humanitarian parole. This extension allows them to stay in the country until June 1, 2026, ensuring that the young girl, identified as "Sofia," can continue her essential medical treatment.

Sofia suffers from "short bowel syndrome," a serious condition that hinders her ability to absorb nutrients and fluids from food. Her treatment, administered at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, involves specialized intravenous (IV) sessions lasting up to 14 hours daily. This critical medical care is only available in the United States due to the specific equipment required.

The victory came after an urgent biometrics appointment at a USCIS field office in Bakersfield, California, on May 30. USCIS swiftly responded by granting the parole extension. "We are profoundly grateful that USCIS acted swiftly to grant Sofia and her mother one year of humanitarian parole. By moving quickly, the agency has ensured that a four-year-old girl can continue receiving her life-saving medical treatment," said her attorneys from Public Counsel.

Earlier in April, the Department of Homeland Security issued letters indicating the termination of their humanitarian parole. The situation escalated, prompting an international outcry and pressure from elected officials. Sofia's attorneys highlighted the systemic challenges and bureaucratic delays that threatened the child's well-being. "While we celebrate this victory, we cannot ignore the systemic challenges that brought Sofia to the brink," they said.

Vargas expressed relief and gratitude for the extension, which allows Sofia to continue living her life with her family in the U.S. rather than being confined to a hospital in Mexico. Sofia’s case underscores the need for a more responsive and humane immigration system, capable of safeguarding those facing life-threatening circumstances.