Featured Image Credit: Public Counsel
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Poppy Bilderbeck
A GoFundMe page has been started to support a four-year-old with a life-threatening condition who's at risk of dying as a result of Trump's deportation rules.
In 2023, Deysi Vargas and her family were allowed to enter the US legally from Mexico on temporary humanitarian grounds, according to The Los Angeles Times.
However, since being sworn in as the 47th president of the US, Trump has signed a slew of executive orders in a bid to remove 'illegal aliens' from the country.
Vargas has since spoken out in desperate concern for her four-year-old daughter, who goes by the pseudonym Sofia, after the mom received a notice terminating her employment authorization in the US, which could see them forced back to Mexico despite Sofia needing access to regular treatment in Los Angeles for a life-threatening medical condition.
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A GoFundMe page details Sofia was 'born premature with short bowel syndrome'. It further explains that the young girl 'cannot take in nutrition on her own' and has undergone 'several surgeries' to try and ease her condition after doctors 'said she would die'.
During Biden's presidency, Vargas' family managed to get an appointment with border agents, and upon seeing the child's vulnerable state, alongside Vargas' husband claiming he was once kidnapped by cartel members and threatened, they were allowed through to the US.
The mom continues: "Fortunately, I was able to get specialized help from Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and now, thanks to their amazing care, Sofia is four years old."
However, Sofia still receives 'intravenous nutrition 14 hours a day and needs to visit the hospital every six weeks', as the GoFundMe adds: "Without the treatment provided by Children's Hospital, Sofia will die."
And why going back to Mexico isn't an option? Well, Vargas told The LA Times: "I know the treatment they have there for her is not adequate, because we already lived it. Those were bad times. Here she is living the most normal life possible."
Sofia's life-sustaining treatment is now reportedly in jeopardy as a result of the Trump administration's new rules on immigration.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration revealed it would pay those who are undocumented in the US to 'self deport'.
Part of the announcement read: "Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP Home App.
"Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app."
Vargas reportedly used the CBP One app to enter the US and has since seen an update to her app offering to help immigrants self-deport.
It's reported if app users don't take up the offer, a notice reportedly reads (via The LA Times): "The federal government will find you."
And Sofia's family have since issued a desperate plea for support.
The family's lawyer, Rebecca Brown, from the pro bono legal organisation Public Counsel, has submitted a petition to continue their temporary humanitarian legal status due to Sofia's medical condition.
The lawyer reportedly thinks it was a mistake that their legal status was terminated in the first place.
Brown said: "This is a textbook example of medical need. This child will die and there's no sense for that to happen. It would just be a cruel sacrifice."
She added that doctors said Sofia 'will die within a matter of days' if her treatment is discontinued. The GoFundMe seeks financial support to help cover Sofia's treatment costs as the family navigates the 'uncertain' time.
It resolves: "Due to unexpected changes in our circumstances, we're navigating an urgent situation that could impact Sofia's continued medical treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
"Any support during this uncertain and difficult time would mean the world to us and help us stay focused on her care."
According to CBS, Vargas and her attorneys will hold a press conference to detail the steps the family can take.
UNILAD has contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Children's Hospital Los Angeles for comment.