Sofia Vargas — not her real name — is just four years old and facing deportation, a move that could cost her life. Born prematurely in Mexico with short bowel syndrome, Sofia cannot absorb nutrients normally and relies on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), a complex U.S.-based feeding system that keeps her alive.
After years of complications and repeated infections in Mexico, her mother, Deysi, brought her to the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program in July 2023. Since then, Sofia has made significant health gains thanks to care from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
But now, that fragile progress is under threat. The family received notice in April 2025 that their parole had been revoked — without explanation — and they must leave the country. Doctors warn that removing her from the U.S. healthcare system would be fatal.
Their attorney, Rebecca Brown, says the family’s status was rescinded in error and is fighting to restore it. “This child will die,” she says bluntly. With her husband injured and unable to work, Deysi fears losing everything — including her daughter’s chance to live.
