Bakersfield Girl Granted Humanitarian Protection to Continue Lifesaving Treatment
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A 4-year-old girl with a rare medical condition will be allowed to remain in the United States to receive treatment after public outcry and intervention from lawmakers.
The family of S.G.V., a 4-year-old girl from Bakersfield, CA, has been granted humanitarian protection from deportation. This decision allows her to continue receiving lifesaving treatment in the United States for a rare medical condition.
S.G.V.’s situation garnered important public attention, leading numerous lawmakers to advocate on her behalf. The girl and her parents, who are from Mexico, were initially granted temporary legal entry into the U.S. through Tijuana in 2023.
However, the prior administration had revoked these protections, placing S.G.V. and her parents at risk of deportation. Her doctor at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles warned that she could die within days if she lost access to medical care for short bowel syndrome. This condition prevents her body from properly absorbing nutrients from food.
Legal Advocacy and Political Intervention
“By moving quickly, the agency has ensured that a four‑year‑old girl can continue receiving the specialized medical treatment that keeps her alive,” said the family’s attorney Rebecca Brown of the nonprofit Public Counsel. “Though,many families still face harm under the sweeping policy to do away with humanitarian parole. We ask the government to ensure that no one be put in harm’s way.”
“Without action, S.G.V. will die.”
Last week, 38 congressional Democrats, including California Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff,voiced their disapproval of the termination of the family’s protected status. They urged the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate it.
“Without action, S.G.V. will die,” the lawmakers wrote May 29 to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “We urge a prompt response from your Department and a swift decision to extend this family’s legal status in the U.S.” The lawmakers emphasized that the family’s circumstances “clearly meets the need for humanitarian aid.”
In a letter dated Monday, acting field office director Carmen Paniagua of U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services informed the family and their attorney: “This is to advise you that effective June 2, 2025, you have been granted Humanitarian Parole for a period of one year.”
Prior to this decision, in April, S.G.V.’s mother, Deysi Vargas, received notice from the federal government that their humanitarian protections and work authorization had been revoked.the notice instructed them to leave the contry voluntarily, warning that or else “the federal government will find you.”
An online fundraiser established to support S.G.V.’s medical care has raised more than $40,000 as of Tuesday.
Frequently Asked questions
- What is humanitarian parole?
- Humanitarian parole is a temporary authorization allowing someone who may not or else be allowed into the United States to enter due to an emergency or humanitarian reason.
- Who is S.G.V.?
- S.G.V. is a 4-year-old girl from Bakersfield, CA, with a rare medical condition called short bowel syndrome, which prevents her body from absorbing nutrients properly.
- Why was S.G.V. at risk of deportation?
- The prior administration had rescinded the legal protections previously granted to S.G.V.and her family, making them vulnerable to deportation.
- What is short bowel syndrome?
- Short bowel syndrome is a condition where the small intestine is unable to absorb enough nutrients from food, frequently enough requiring specialized medical care.
- What happens after the one-year parole period?
- After the one-year parole period, the family will need to either depart the U.S. or seek an extension or other immigration status to remain legally in the country.
