A Mexican family is rejoicing after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved a visa for 20-year-old Jose Chua Lopez this week.
The agency had previously denied Lopez's two previous visa applications, and he needs a new heart and liver.
Consejo de Latinos Unidos, a charity that helps provide medical care for uninsured individuals, helped Lopez secure an appointment with the Mayo Clinic. The charity's director, Kevin Forbes, said Lopez's case was the most difficult they've encountered.
"This is the most complicated case that we have had since we started doing this," he admitted. "We've never been involved in the transplant waiting list and the complications this implies."
Lopez was born with only one heart ventricle - a condition that has caused poor circulation and liver damage. The organ transplants are impossible in his native Mexico.
Friends and family raised thousands of dollars for Lopez's trip to the US and his medical treatment, although a transplant and after care could cost millions. Forbes said crowdfunding will be used to offset the high costs.
"We don't want the clinic to lose money," he explained, "but it should be reasonable."
Lopez's humanitarian visa allows him to stay in the US for 90 days. An extension depends on his course of treatment, and is at the discretion of DHS.
"They will evaluate if it is possible to operate, and in the case that it is, he will have to wait and live near the hospital until the organs arrive," said Forbes. "It could be months or years of waiting."
Lopez's mother, Mayra, is just happy her son has a chance to be healthy.
"I don't have words to express my gratitude to everyone who has prayed for us and have helped us find a solution," she said.
