When it comes to immigration, stories often get lost in big debates and policies.
But behind those headlines are real families facing heart-wrenching challenges.
One such story is about a brave 4-year-old girl from Mexico who depends on life-saving medical care here in California—and whose ability to stay in the U.S. has been caught up in complicated immigration red tape.
How a Little Girl’s Medical Needs Led to Humanitarian Parole
Deysi Vargas and her daughter, a young girl identified only by her initials SGV for privacy, have been fighting to stay in the United States legally.
The girl suffers from a serious condition called short bowel syndrome, which means she can’t get nutrition the usual way and needs a special treatment called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
This treatment feeds her through an IV for about 14 hours a day using a portable backpack, allowing her some freedom outside the hospital.
Because only a few countries, including the U.S., can provide this treatment, and the equipment isn’t portable across borders, staying in California is critical for her survival.
Parole Granted Then Suddenly Revoked Causes Panic
In 2023, the Department of Homeland Security granted humanitarian parole to the family, allowing the girl to receive her essential medical care.
But in April, the family was shocked to receive a letter telling them that this parole was revoked without any warning.
Their lawyers from Public Counsel say this sudden decision caused panic and nearly put the girl’s life at risk.
For weeks, there was no easy way to contact immigration officials to explain the urgency.
It took an international outcry and pressure from elected officials to get a response—something that, before, might have been handled with just a quick phone call.
A Mother’s Plea Amid an Immigration Crackdown
Deysi Vargas shared her fears publicly at a news conference in May, saying plainly, “If they deport us and take away my daughter’s access to her specialized care, she will die.”
She also expressed hope, saying that with the care her daughter receives in the U.S., her little girl has a chance to leave the hospital, see the world, and enjoy a childhood like other kids.
Unfortunately, the current political climate has seen a crackdown on undocumented migration and the dismantling of policies that previously made it easier for migrants to request humanitarian parole, including a Biden-era app that allowed this process to happen more smoothly.
The Legal Battle and the Urgent Medical Reality
The family’s humanitarian parole was set to expire in early June, and they’ve been working to extend it to continue the treatment.
Doctors who treat SGV warn that without her daily TPN treatment, her condition could become fatal within days.
Dr. John Arsenault, the girl’s physician, explained in a letter that the specialized care infrastructure is U.S.-based and cannot be replicated or accessed outside the country, which means she can’t safely leave the U.S. without risking her life.
Before coming to the U.S., SGV suffered repeated infections and multiple surgeries in Mexico, making the continuation of her care even more vital.
What This Case Reveals About the Immigration System
The family’s lawyers emphasize that while they are grateful the humanitarian parole was granted, this case exposes deep systemic problems.
The sudden termination of SGV’s parole, without warning or clear communication, reveals how vulnerable families like hers are in the immigration system.
They warn there are many other children in similar situations whose lives depend on better protections and urgent care access.
What’s Next fo.the Family and Others Like Them?
As of now, the family is allowed to stay in the U.S. on humanitarian parole until June 2.
Their fight to remain here, and the larger questions it raises about how immigration policies handle life-or-death medical needs, continue to unfold.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for further comment on this specific case.