Header: Afghan Family Seeks Desperate Measures for Medical Care in the US
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Shafi Amani and his three-year-old daughter, Yousra, visit the Casey Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia, every couple of weeks for medical care. Yousra, who was once a healthy toddler, now suffers from a stroke that has left her unable to walk, speak, or chew food. Amani, along with his wife, Frista, and their daughter, fled Afghanistan and took a dirt road overland to Pakistan over a year ago. However, their situation worsened in Mexico, where they struggled to access the medical care Yousra needed due to language barriers and financial constraints.
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Desperate for help, Amani made the difficult decision to have his family smuggled into the United States. After finding a contact in Mexicali, Mexico, Amani paid $200 each to be guided over a 30-foot border wall into the US. Once inside, they encountered US Border Control officers who directed them to an immigration camp. Despite his initial negative view of the United States, Amani recognized that the officers were willing to assist and provide the necessary medical attention for Yousra.
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After a month of treatment at a San Diego children’s hospital, Amani decided to relocate to Northern Virginia, where there is a large Afghan community. There, they connected with Dr. Karen Smith, a pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Smith expressed hope for Yousra’s prognosis, stating that with proper management, she could lead a functional and active life, although she may experience delays in motor skills and learning due to the delayed care she received.
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Dr. Smith and various non-profit and faith-based organizations, such as Christ Church in Alexandria, have supported the family in settling into their new life. The community has provided assistance with housing, furniture, and essential items. However, their current financial support will run out in October, posing a challenge in the expensive city of Alexandria. Additionally, Yousra needs to be near a large hospital with pediatricians experienced in metabolic disorders.
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The chaotic evacuation from Kabul Airport two years ago deeply affected Dr. Smith, who spent over two decades as an Army nurse. She emphasizes the importance of not leaving anyone behind, especially those who have supported and assisted the military in foreign countries. Amani, who arrived in the US illegally, did not receive the same government assistance as those who came in the American airlift. However, he has filed an application for asylum, hoping to secure a work permit and a Social Security number.
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Amani’s immigration lawyer, Yurika Cooper, acknowledges the challenges they face without a work permit or Social Security number. Cooper hopes that Amani’s application for asylum is successful, as it would allow him to work legally and provide for his family. With the support of the community and medical professionals like Dr. Smith, the Amani family remains hopeful for Yousra’s future and their new life in the United States.
Word Count: 400 words.
Original Story at www.wyomingpublicmedia.org – 2023-08-09 09:23:00
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