Donald Trump's immigration ban creates 'trouble' for Iranian infant with heart defect – Read story

New Delhi: An Iranian newborn suffering from a heart defect had to face initial trouble with her family following US President Donald Trump's immigration orders.

Fatemeh Reshad, in need of life-saving heart surgery arrived at a Portland hospital with her family after being temporarily banned from coming to the US.

Iranian doctors told Fatemeh Reshad's parents weeks ago that she needed at least one urgent surgery to correct serious heart defects, or she will die, according to her uncle, Samad Taghizadeh, a US citizen who lives in Portland.

 

The family previously had an appointment in Dubai to get a tourist visa. But it was abruptly canceled after Trump announced his executive order banning the entry of people from seven countries with Muslim majorities. The girl and her parents had to return to Iran.

A Seattle judge issued a temporary restraining order on the ban the same day a waiver was granted for the baby.

"Fatemeh looks well," said Dr Laurie Armsby, interim head of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. "Our tests this morning have confirmed her diagnosis and the urgent need for treatment."

 

US Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, was instrumental in getting the waiver for the baby's family, as were New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and immigration attorneys.

The hospital issued a statement saying that the family "would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make their trip possible. The family would like to give special thanks to the congressional delegations and governors of Oregon and New York."

(With PTI inputs)