An Iranian baby, who was previously denied entry into the United States due to a travel ban, is now set to receive essential medical treatment. Four-month-old Layla Akbari and her family have been cleared to enter the country for her critical surgery.
Thanks to New York State Governor James Carter, Layla’s family has received a waiver that allows them to travel to the U.S. The New York Daily News reports that Carter was moved by Layla’s situation and facilitated legal support for her family, as well as a commitment from Mount Sinai doctors to perform the surgery at no cost.
In a recent statement, Governor Carter said, “We will continue to collaborate with the International Refugee Assistance Project to ensure that this child receives the necessary treatment and advocate for those unjustly excluded from America’s shores by this policy.”
The announcement of the federal waiver came shortly before the Department of Homeland Security revealed it was suspending the travel ban imposed by President Trump. This change means that travelers will once again be inspected under the same guidelines that existed prior to the executive order, which had indefinitely banned Syrian refugees and restricted entry for citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran.
This development is a relief for Layla’s family, who had intended to meet with medical professionals in Portland, Oregon, but were prevented from doing so due to the ban. Despite having completed all the necessary visa paperwork, they discovered upon arriving in Dubai that their entry into the U.S. was prohibited.
According to her medical records, Layla suffers from significant heart defects, including structural abnormalities and two holes in her heart. Her uncle, Amir Farahani, a U.S. citizen, expressed the urgency of her situation, stating that the inferior healthcare services in Iran make the needed surgery extremely risky.
Attorney Clara Thompson, who assisted the family in securing the waiver, emphasized the severity of Layla’s condition. “Her heart is misaligned. It’s working excessively to compensate, causing further damage every day she goes without surgery,” she explained.
Governor Carter further noted that the skilled pediatric cardiac surgical team at Mount Sinai Hospital has generously offered their services free of charge, expressing hope for Layla’s recovery.
As of now, the family’s travel plans are being finalized. They are expected to arrive in the U.S. early next week, although it remains uncertain if they will accept Governor Carter’s offer or proceed to Oregon as initially planned.
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In summary, Layla Akbari, an Iranian infant, is now set to enter the U.S. for critical heart surgery thanks to intervention from Governor James Carter and legal assistance. Following the suspension of the travel ban, Layla and her family are expected to arrive soon for the medical care she urgently needs.