She was born in New Jersey with effects of Zika virus. Now her parents can stay in US
Darah Giron, the first baby born in the continental United States with disabilities caused by Zika, can stay in this country for another two years, now that her parents' deportation has been deferred on humanitarian grounds.
Darah was born at Hackensack University Medical Center and turned 6 on May 31.
The decision by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Newark field director does not provide a path to citizenship for her mother and father, who are citizens of Honduras, but allows them to remain lawfully in the United States for two years. It is the second deferral they've received.
"We feel really grateful," Claudia Funes, Darah's mother, said through a translator on Wednesday, explaining that she is grateful to the family's attorney and the U.S. immigration agency.
A spokeswoman for the Citizenship and Immigration Services said she could not confirm or deny the couple's status. But "the agency remains committed to upholding America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve," said Katie Tichacek, the spokeswoman. The success of the application was confirmed by Gintare Grigaite, the family's Bayonne attorney.
More: Growing up with Zika: Family of first NJ baby born with Zika syndrome hopes to stay in US
Also: After Zika: Raising a baby with microcephaly
In her deferral application, Funes testified that "Darah remains entirely dependent upon the health care system in the United States and my support" for her survival. Her deportation, she said, "would be a death sentence for my daughter."
Darah was born with an abnormally small head and brain after Funes became infected with Zika, probably from the bite of an infected mosquito, while pregnant. Darah is profoundly disabled, unable to sit or stand or roll over on her own, or to feed herself or communicate beyond a few cries.
As a U.S. citizen because of her birth in America, Darah's medical treatment and therapy is covered by Medicaid. Funes, who is 37, provides round-the-clock care at the family's apartment in Hudson County, where she prepares an immune-enhancing diet for Darah and provides a daily program of physical, sensory and cognitive therapy aimed at maximizing her potential.
Christian Giron, Darah's father, a former journalist, now works as a delivery driver to support the family. He also received a deferral. The couple's 11-year-old son is in the sixth grade.
The family is well aware that their daughter will never be like other children. "Although she is 6 years old, she has the mental capacity of a 3- to 6-month-old," Funes said in her application
But they celebrate each of her birthdays with joy — and an annual theme. This year, it was hearts — a heart-shaped birthday cake, hearts on Darah's dress, and hearts in the decorations around the house.
"Hearts — because we love her a lot," said Funes.
Lindy Washburn is a senior health care reporter for NorthJersey.com. To keep up-to-date about how changes in health care affect you and your family, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: washburn@northjersey.com
Twitter: @lindywa
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Parents of child born in NJ with Zika virus effects can stay in US
