Duluth Hospital Patient's Visa to Expire; Family Worried He'll Die
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DULUTH - The family of a UWS exchange student from Pakistan is trying to keep him at a Duluth hospital, even though his visa is set to expire, because they feel he will die in transit to a new hospital in his native country.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Muhammad Bajwa, 20, is currently at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center after suffering severe injuries from a car accident involving a deer.
The family tells the AP, They fear Bajwa will die if he doesn't stay at Essentia.
Maureen Talarico, spokeswoman for Essentia, released the following statement Tuesday:
"Mr. Bajwa's student visa expires Feb.28. The U.S. State Department is not renewing Mr. Bajwa's visa; therefore he is not legally allowed to stay in the country. St. Mary's Medical Center has been working with the State Department, which is making arrangements for Mr. Bajwa's medical transport home. This is an unfortunate situation and his caregivers are working closely with Mr. Bajwa's family to ensure the smoothest transition possible."