Policy on Immigrant Medical Relief

A new policy put in place by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the leadership of the Trump administration has sparked outrage among Democrats and humanitarian groups alike. Without any public announcement, USCIS began denying all requests for deferred action on deportation for medical reasons by applicants other than those from individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or from their dependents. This policy shift began on August 7, 2019, and is still in effect. USCIS has since said it would review denied deferral requests that were in a pending status on August 7. No new applications will be accepted for immigrant medical relief deferred status except for the families of those serving in the military.

An End to Immigrant Medical Relief

The change in USCIS policy will mean that immigrants of all ages will be deported before they can receive life-saving medical treatments in the U.S. This includes children and the elderly, who may not be well enough to move safely. Under the new policy, these individuals have 33 days to leave the United States after receiving a denial letter. If they do not do so, they could be subject to immediate deportation. This has led to serious concerns for many immigrants. Consulting with a New York immigration lawyer is typically the best option for individuals and families in these cases.

Reactions From the U.S. Congress

In response to this sudden and unannounced end to the protections offered for those seeking medical treatments in the U.S., members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee held hearings on September 11, 2019, to discuss the reasons behind the changes with USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. More hearings may be scheduled to obtain additional information that was not forthcoming during these initial discussions with officials from these agencies, who declined to answer most questions because of an ongoing legal challenge to the policy by civil rights protection groups.

If you need a qualified and caring New York immigration lawyer to pursue immigrant medical relief requests or to resolve issues with your visa, the experts at Pozo Goldstein will work with you to determine the best way to approach your case. Our legal team has the experience and the proven knowledge you need to achieve your goals. To learn more about our approach to immigration issues, schedule a consultation with the Pozo Goldstein team by calling 212-201-9031. We are committed to helping you find your own way to pursue your American dream.