Ricky Solis, 6, was paralyzed from the waist down after a car crash in February, along with dozens of other severe injuries. His mother, Sandra Mendoza, and her fiancee, YanCarlos Mendez Perez, underwent medical training to discharge him from the hospital.
After the accident, Ricky’s mom quit her job to care for him around the clock, and Mendez remained as the sole source of income for the boy. Mendez was stopped in November for driving without a valid license – his second offense – and has not seen his family since he was sentenced to 30 days in county jail.
Mendez has dual citizenship in Spain and the Dominican Republic. He has been with Ricky and his mother since 2014 and became the only father the boy has ever known. Mendoza’s former relationship was physically and emotionally abusive.
Although he entered the United States lawfully under the Visa Waiver Program, he overstayed his visit, and after reviewal, ICE’s deportation of the paraplegic boy’s caregiver will proceed. ICE reviewed YanCarlos Mendez’ case and determined he was ineligible for any agency relief.
The family’s attorney, Nazly Mamedova, pled for a one-year suspension of deportation but the request was denied. She said the family would suffer severe hardship if Mendez got deported.
Ricky is suffering from recurring internal bleeding and will require more surgery in February, and “is not healing fast enough.” Without Mendez, Sandra Mendoza does not even have enough money to cover this month’s $565 rent.
This article was inspired by USA TODAY // Appeal denied: ICE to move forward with paraplegic boy’s caregiver