Parents of Baby Born at 27 Weeks Face Uncertain Future in New Zealand

For Juan Ospina and Ana María Ahumada, the arrival of their daughter, Victoria, should have been a time of joy and celebration. However, the couple now finds themselves in a precarious situation, facing uncertainty about their future in New Zealand.

The Colombian couple moved to New Zealand in 2019 and have built a life there. However, their immigration status has become a major concern. Ospina, 35, and Ahumada, 31, have lived in the country for several years, working in essential jobs during the pandemic, including in kiwifruit orchards and as a chef. But their situation became more complex when Ospina’s visa expired, and he was unable to secure a sponsor.

When Victoria was born, she weighed just 970 grams and was only 33 centimeters long. She spent weeks in the hospital, and the family is still navigating the challenges of her early medical care. Despite the difficulties, the couple has remained hopeful and resilient.

Now, the family is desperately hoping for a lifeline from Associate Minister of Immigration Chris Penk, who has the power to grant them permanent residency. Their case has drawn attention from the Green Party, with Ricardo Menéndez March, a Green Party representative, expressing support for their situation.

"It's a deeply human story," said Menéndez March. "This family has contributed to New Zealand and deserves the opportunity to stay." The couple has also reached out to the public for support, sharing their story in the hope that it will raise awareness and lead to a positive outcome.

As they wait for a decision, the family continues to fight for their future. For Ospina and Ahumada, the stakes are high—this is not just about their own lives, but about the future of their daughter and the family they have built in New Zealand.

"We just want to be able to stay and raise our daughter here," said Ahumada. "We have given everything we have to this country, and we hope it will give us the same in return." The couple’s story highlights the challenges faced by many immigrant families and the importance of fair and compassionate immigration policies.