Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Immigrant Medical Care

In August, the Trump administration said it will stop considering requests from immigrants wanting to stay in the country for medical treatment.
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 26: Mariela Sanchez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, left, her son Jonathan Sanchez, 16, and husband Gary Sanchez prepare for questions from reporters after the press conference on termination of medical deferred action at the Irish International Immigrant Center at 1 State St. in Boston on Aug. 26, 2019. Mariela's son, Jonathan, 16, has cystic fibrosis.
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 26: Mariela Sanchez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, left, her son Jonathan Sanchez, 16, and husband Gary Sanchez prepare for questions from reporters after the press conference on termination of medical deferred action at the Irish International Immigrant Center at 1 State St. in Boston on Aug. 26, 2019. Mariela's son, Jonathan, 16, has cystic fibrosis.
Boston Globe via Getty Images

BOSTON (AP) — Civil rights groups are suing President Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country for medical treatment and other hardships.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court Thursday challenging the Aug. 7 decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to end its “deferred action” program.

The program allows foreign nationals to work legally and receive health benefits for up to two years while they or their family members receive medical treatment.

A USCIS spokeswoman says the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

The agency announced Monday it will continue processing deferral requests that were pending as of Aug. 7 after doctors, immigration lawyers and civil rights groups objected.

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