Visa expiring for Iraq boy staying in Snohomish for medical care

It's been nearly two years since an Iraqi boy blinded by gunfire was taken to Snohomish County for medical care.

Five-year-old Muhammed "Hamoody" Jauda still needs more surgery to help restore his damaged face, but his visa will expire May 16. So a lawyer may file for asylum for him.

The Everett branch of the Healing the Children organization that brought him to the United States in May 2006 says the visa cannot be extended.

His family in Iraq reportedly wants him to stay in the United States and his foster parents in Snohomish, Randy and Julie Robinett Smith, would like to adopt him, but that faces obstacles, including rules of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

A lawyer helping the boy, Steve Miller, says the boy may qualify for humanitarian asylum.

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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com