Trump Accused of 'Deporting Kids With Cancer' After the Administration Reportedly Ends Medical Deferral Program

By The Week

27 August 19

ederal immigration officials have told immigrant medical patients who have "medical deferred action" to leave the U.S. within 33 days, Commonwealth Magazine reported on Monday, citing attorneys from the Irish International Immigrant Center representing the families. The Trump administration reportedly ended the medical deferred action program on Aug. 7.

The patients, many of whom are children, are reportedly being treated for serious illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) was quick to respond, blasting the Trump administration for its "inhumanity."

Markey reportedly called the decision a "new low" for Trump, arguing that the government is "literally deporting kids with cancer." Dr. Sarah Kimball, who works with immigrant patients at Boston Medical Center, said her patients seeking medical deferred action are "desperate."

As for the rule change, the chair of the New England chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association said it happened quietly, without a public statement or advanced notice. Similar denial notices have been reported in California and North Carolina.

The American Civil Liberties Union has pledged to fight the situation in court.